Once upon a time, Ivan Toney was being linked with a move to Celtic.
But fast forward to the present, and in the prime of his career, Toney is playing for Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli after securing a move to the Middle East from Brentford last summer.
Toney faced Brendan Rodgers’ side on Saturday evening, as Celtic beat Al-Ahli on penalties after a 1-1 draw in normal time.
The England international, 29, who was part of Thomas Tuchel’s most recent squad, was kept quiet by Celtic’s backline, including Cameron Carter-Vickers.
That’s expected because it’s in Carter-Vickers’ game and skill set, but another unexpected face came to the fore and dealt with Toney pretty well in the Como Cup.
Photo by George Wood/Getty ImagesArne Engels’ strength is mistaken for Cameron Carter-Vickers’
Arne Engels isn’t exactly known for his brute strength, but his technical ability, in-game intelligence, and dead-ball skills.
But Celtic’s club-record transfer showcased a different side to his game against Al-Ahli, including dealing with Toney during one passage of play.
At the time, Simon Donnelly was praising Carter-Vickers for being ‘too strong’ for Toney, but when he saw the replays again, as he spoke on Celtic TV (26/07/25), he quickly realised it was Engels, and then gave him his flowers.
Celtic TV commentator: “It’s played into the area, but good strength from Celtic to hold off Toney.”
Donnelly: “Yeah, that’s good play from Carter-Vickers there. You say it, strength. But good defending. Matched the run of Toney, he was too strong for him.
“It was actually Engels. My mistake. He did a bit of good backtracking there and showed good strength to hold Toney off.”
Big season ahead for Engels
Makes no bones about it, the pressure levels are going to ramp up on Engels for the 2025/26 campaign, after a mixed first season in Celtic colours.
If he produces the same performances, or they drop, then he will get verbal pelters from a lot more people, regardless of what Celtic do or don’t win.
This is what it feels like playing for a pressure cooker of a club like Celtic, but going off last season, Engels has two trophies to his name, and he has set a platform he should now spring off.
- Games: 52
- Starts: 39
- Goals: 10
- Assists: 13
- Trophies: 2