Celtic star accused of becoming the invisible man as latest performance sparks a furious response
This Celtic star has come under fire for his latest performance on the international stage,
A bulk of Celtic’s senior team have flown out to represent their respective countries during the last international break of 2024.
Reo Hatate, Kyogo Furuhashi and Daizen Maeda have enjoyed a strong start to Japan’s fixtures following their 4-0 win over Indonesia. Meanwhile, Greg Taylor and Anthony Ralston were called up to the Scotland camp. Steve Clarke’s side earned a 1-0 win over Croatia to keep their Nations League hopes alive ahead of their meeting with Poland.
However, it hasn’t been an ideal start to the international break for everyone. Summer signing Arne Engels has come under fire for his latest performance for Belgium. Despite dominating in possession and passes, the Red Devils lost to Israel after conceding an 86th minute goal from substitute Yarden Shua.
Engels has come under fire following Belgium’s disappointing defeat. He was on the pitch for 93 minutes before being substituted off and managed just one shot in the entire match. Belgian outlet Walfoot issued player ratings for Domenico Tedesco’s side and could only muster up a 2/10 for Engels’ efforts, along with some criticism.
“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 action, and it was not because of the fog on the pitch.”
Engels signed for Celtic during the summer in a record transfer fee from Augsburg, following the sale of Matt O’Riley. Since his arrival at Parkhead, the 21-year-old has contributed two Scottish Premiership goals and an impressive goal and three assists in four Champions League appearances so far.
Engels also has three assists in two Scottish League Cup appearances for the Hoops. However, former Celtic striker Chris Sutton believes it will take more than just Engels to replace O’Riley, who notched 19 goals and 18 assists in his final season with the Hoops.
“O'Riley was Celtic's best player last season and they can't replace him essentially. I don't think they need just one body in, they need more than that. Replacing Matt O'Riley is nigh on impossible,” Sutton said on Sky Sports following Engels’ arrival.