Celtic starter slammed by media for terrible performance

Celtic have been fantastic this season, both domestically and in Europe. That does not mean that there are no players who are still finding their feet. And one of them has been criticised heavily for his most recent performance while away on international duty, as he struggles to meet expectations for his national team.

The player we are talking about is Arne Engels. Celtic signed him for a club-record transfer fee from FC Augsburg in the summer.

Not everybody has been convinced by Engels' performances since then though. He has made solid contributions here and there. But there have also been days when he has clearly struggled and there a lot of fans who believe that he is not doing enough so far, at least when you consider the expectations that came with the record fee.

On the other hand, Engels' start to life as a full Belgian international has not been the best either. In his four appearances for the national team, they have lost thrice and both times when he has started.

Celtic starter slammed by media for terrible performance

Engels was only given a 2/10 rating for his most recent performance in Belgium shirt by Walfoot and he was heavily criticised as well, as they wrote:

"According to the line-up, he was supposed to be the No. 10 of this team; apart from a vaguely dangerous strike, he hid as rarely, recalling Trossard's worst hours at Euro 2024. In the second half, he completely disappeared from circulation, and it was not due to the fog on the pitch."

That does not make for good reading if you are Engels and it is not going to do his confidence any favours. This is not the kind of start that he needed at international level.

Things are comparatively steadier when it comes to life at Celtic. He is still starting. And while he is not the consistent performer or difference maker that Matt O'Riley was, time was always going to be needed if those shoes had to be filled.

Overall, there is not much to be worried about when it comes to Engels. But things could have certainly started better for him.