They are saying absence makes the guts develop fonder, and that was definitely the case with regard to Celtic‘s Arne Engels this season.
Sidelined with a thigh damage between mid-February and early April, the membership’s document signing was evidently missed, as Martin O’Neill struggled to choose an acceptable associate for Callum McGregor within the centre of the park.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Reo Hatate and Luke McCowan merely weren’t slicing it, with it maybe no shock that Engels’ return coincided with a positive finish to the marketing campaign, the Belgian beginning all 5 post-split video games
It was the 22-year-old’s nerveless spot-kick too that dragged the hosts degree at Parkhead on the ultimate day, an extra reminder of why the membership have been smart to shun Nottingham Forest’s £25m bid on deadline day.
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Last seven SPFL video games |
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|---|---|---|
|
Rangers |
Celtic |
Hearts |
|
4-2 (W) |
1-2 (W) |
2-2 (D) |
|
3-6 (W) |
1-0 (W) |
3-1 (W) |
|
2-3 (L) |
3-1 (W) |
1-2 (W) |
|
2-1 (L) |
1-2 (W) |
2-1 (W) |
|
3-1 (L) |
3-1 (W) |
1-1 (D) |
|
1-2 (L) |
2-3 (W) |
3-0 (W) |
|
2-5 (W) |
3-1 (W) |
3-1 (L) |
Whether or not the previous Augsburg man does keep put heading into this summer time stays to be seen, nevertheless, with midfield reinforcements already within the works.
Celtic rising as favourities to signal new midfielder this summer time
From goalkeeper to centre-forward, the Hoops squad wants main surgical procedure heading into subsequent season, with even O’Neill’s pleasant double unable to paper over the cracks solely.
Midfield will likely be a selected precedence, contemplating the doubtless raft of exits, with a belated exit for Hatate and Paulo Bernardo seemingly on the playing cards, whereas Oxlade-Chamberlain’s deal expires in June.
One identify that has been mooted of late is Motherwell star, Elliot Watt, with Celtic seemingly rivalling Rangers for his signature, albeit with no actual progress made as but.
Elsewhere, in the meantime, Hungarian outlet Csakfoci have supplied an thrilling replace concerning ETO FC star, Milan Vitalis, with the 24-year-old probably in line for a transfer away this summer time.
As per the report, the suggestion is that Celtic are the favourites to snap him up, with the piece noting that the Hoops ‘could signal him’, following a standout season for the Hungarian champions.
This has been corroborated by GOAL, who report that whereas Aberdeen and Rangers are additionally within the combine, it’s Celtic who’re the ‘closest to signing’ the participant.
How Vitalis compares to Engels this season
Curiosity in Vitalis may probably present a touch concerning the following everlasting supervisor at Parkhead, with rumours rife that Robbie Keane might be the chosen alternative to succeed O’Neill.
The previous Republic of Eire had been working in Hungary over current seasons, previous to stepping down this month after Ferencvaros missed out on the title to Vitalis’ ETO.
Coincidence or not, it could be no shock if this can be a transfer being led by Keane, ought to he be on the best way to Glasgow, though regardless, this might nicely show a very astute deal to do.
The Bhoys have gotten a call to make…
Certainly, Vitalis – who’s out of contract at his present aspect subsequent summer time – is contemporary off a positive collective and particular person season in his homeland, having shone from his midfield berth.
In all, he scored 9 objectives and supplied 4 assists throughout his 31 begins, having additionally created 9 ‘huge possibilities’ and averaged a stellar two key passes per recreation.
For comparability, within the Premiership, Engels loved a far much less fruitful marketing campaign in an attacking sense, scoring simply 5 objectives and registering solely three assists, albeit whereas beginning simply 22 instances.
Creatively too, the Belgian wasn’t on the identical degree as his fellow quantity 27, creating simply six ‘huge possibilities’ and averaging just one.4 key passes per recreation.
Each males misplaced the ball 12.3 instances per recreation on common, however Vitalis got here out on high with regard to cross accuracy (87% vs 83%), an extra tick in opposition to his identify.
What can be encouraging too, and probably important for this Celtic midfield, is the physicality and combative nature that the Hungary worldwide brings to the desk, as he additionally confirmed this season.
In all, he averaged 3.2 tackles and interceptions per recreation, whereas profitable 56% of his whole duels. For comparability, Engels averaged simply 1.5 tackles and interceptions, whereas profitable solely 41% of his whole duels.
Throw into the combination that Vitalis additionally has the knack for gliding ahead from deep, having bettered Engels once more with regard to profitable dribbles per recreation (1.0 vs 0.1), and it is clear to see that he would possibly nicely symbolize a transparent improve on Celtic’s £11m man.
Celtic engaged on deal to seal their finest signing since Nygren at Parkhead
One other thrilling import from Scandinavia might be on his technique to Celtic this summer time.
