Chris Sutton states how Celtic 'asset' can change their fortunes in area they've slumped behind rivals
The Celtic icon is hoping the return of the midfield maestro can give them a spark
As Celtic midfielder Arne Engels returns from injury, former striker Chris Sutton believes his quality from dead-ball situations alone can help them get back on track with their title rivals.
The Belgian has been out since February following a thigh strain he suffered against Livingston but returned in last weekend’s 1-0 victory over St Mirren. As the Hoops now prepare to face the Buddies again in Sunday’s Scottish Cup semi final clash, Engels has trained all week and could be making a return to the starting XI.
Celtic currently sit third in the Premiership, three points adrift of league leader Hearts and two behind Rangers, however they also trail their title race rivals in the set play success charts. With the recent introduction of set piece coaches, it cannot be understated how much influence dead ball situations can have in the game. Sutton believes with the return of Engels, Celtic can improve in this area as well as in the title race.
Sutton on game-changer Engels
Engels is clearly a player Celtic boss Martin O’Neill admires. When fit, the 22-year has been a mainstay in his side over both spells and was the subject of a £25m bid from Nottingham Forest in January, which was rejected. Sutton sees why O’Neill has kept the faith with the midfielder and thinks he will eventually justify the £11m Celtic paid Augsburg for him in 2024.
Sutton told the Daily Record: “Engels is a strong runner and, playing in a team which is struggling to score goals from open play, but his dead-ball delivery can be a big asset. O’Neill spoke recently about the fact the Belgian needs to add some more goals to his game to really go to the next level. All the motivations are there for him to step back into that starting line-up and show himself as worthy of being the club’s record buy.
“I’ve barely seen a Celtic midfielder run beyond a striker in months. Even when I was playing in a struggling Blackburn Rovers team we had boys who would get up in support. The likes of Tim Sherwood and Garry Flitcroft would bust a gut to join me, Kevin Gallacher would be racing in from a side. At the moment, that shift for Celtic’s sole frontman is thankless and Engels can help drive the midfield into more positive positions.”
Celtic’s set piece record compared to rivals
The Hoops have scored only nine goals from dead ball situations this season, significantly less than the sides above them. The Jambos have been on target 19 times from set plays, while Rangers, who appointed set piece coach Scott Fry earlier in the season, have scored 15. Engels has proved to be real threat from free-kicks, corners and penalties alike, however he may now have to give up spot kicks to Tomas Cvancara, who scored from 12 yards in the league against Motherwell and the winner in last month’s Scottish Cup quarter final shootout against Rangers.
As well as set plays, Sutton also believes Engels’ work off the ball can help the Hoops going into the last five games. He continued: “Engels made his comeback as a sub seven days ago after a couple of months out and there is now a huge opportunity for him to make a real impact at a critical time in the campaign for the Hoops. The Belgian might not be everyone’s cup of tea but he has the fitness and energy to get around people and make runs, as well as having ability on the ball.”