Arne Engels now understands what it takes to play for Celtic.
The 21-year-old moved to Glasgow last summer from the German side Augsburg, with big expectations on his shoulders, especially with the price tag.
Having to carry the weight of being Celtic’s club-record transfer isn’t easy, on top of that, Engels walks straight in, just as Matt O’Riley departs for Brighton.
It’s fair to say that, whenever Engels’ performances have been a little iffy or he just hasn’t performed, many have used that club-record transfer stick to beat him with.
It’s slightly unfair because he wasn’t the one who picked the price tag, plus, he is allowed to settle in and develop, given his age, especially given that is Celtic’s model.
But that’s the type of heat you get when you play for Scotland’s most successful club, and Engels completely understands that.
Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty ImagesArne Engels on Celtic’s mentality
Just because Celtic are doing it on a regular basis, doesn’t mean that it is easy, but it would be something if Engels wins the Treble in his debut campaign.
The rising Belgium star explained how Celtic’s mentality is ‘totally different’ to other teams, and it’s a reason why he joined.
Engels told Celtic TV that he wanted to experience that pressure of having to win the title and trophies, as he is getting it in bucket loads in Glasgow.
Engels was asked: ‘You talked a minute ago about the demands to win here at Celtic. Was any of that surprising to you at all? Or do you kind of expect that when you came here?”
Engels responded: “No, I expected it. That’s also a reason why I wanted to come here, because it is expected to win here. Also, to play for trophies. Play for the league. It’s something different, and I really wanted to experience that.
“It’s a totally different mentality than in other teams. I also wanted to add that to my back. To show that and have that. It was really a reason to come here.”
Engels’ stats for Celtic this season
Somebody like O’Riley should be used as an example; he came in from MK Dons, under Ange Postecoglou, looked the part, but was nowhere near ready to perform at such a high level.
Then, after settling down and now, with Rodgers in the dugout, he took his game to the next level and performed week in and week out.
That’s the patience Engels needs, and there are signs on the table to suggest so, with WhoScored providing him with healthy ratings.