Callum McGregor has never been a Celtic captain prone to exaggeration, so when he chooses to single out a teammate for praise, it tends to carry weight.
In the midst of Celtic’s resurgent form under Martin O’Neill, one player in particular has caught his eye: Belgian midfielder Arne Engels, whose performances in recent weeks have elevated him from project signing to a central figure in the club’s growing momentum.
Engels arrived at Celtic with expectation and scrutiny in equal measure, his transfer fee prompting inevitable comparisons and assessments before he had even settled into life in Glasgow.
Yet under O’Neill’s guidance, the 22-year-old has begun to show why the club invested so heavily. His all-action display away to Feyenoord in the Europa League, followed by his decisive goal against Hibernian, has not only showcased his ability but also highlighted the strides he has taken under the interim manager.
For McGregor, who sees every training session and every tactical shift unfold up close, Engels’ growth is no surprise.
The captain has repeatedly stressed the importance of mentality, resilience and adaptability during Celtic’s transitional period, and in Engels he sees a player whose development reflects all three qualities. As pressure mounted over recent weeks and the landscape around the team shifted, Engels’ response has typified the renewed energy within the squad.
With Wilfried Nancy set to assume full managerial duties in the coming days, McGregor’s endorsement arrives at a pivotal moment.
As Celtic prepare for a demanding stretch of fixtures and the incoming boss prepares to assess the squad he inherits, figures like Engels, still young, improving and increasingly influential, become central to the conversation about what this Celtic team can become in the months ahead.
He said: (TCW), “Listen, I love Arne, he’s some player for a kid, maybe 22 now. He was 21 when he came in with a big price tag last year.
“Maybe people unfairly judge him based on the price tag, but I think he’s a tremendous player who plays with a big heart and big energy and will always get better because he has the right attitude.
“So, it’s our job to make him continue to grow. I was delighted for him to get his goal against Hibs. He was outstanding on Thursday night, so hopefully he recovers, and we can go again on Wednesday.”
McGregor’s praise is not simply a personal endorsement; it reflects a broader shift within the dressing room.
Under O’Neill, a number of players have discovered renewed confidence, but Engels stands out because his development feels both timely and symbolic.
He arrived as an investment for the future, yet is now playing a defining role in the present. That blend of potential and current contribution is precisely what Celtic need as they navigate managerial transition and a fixture list packed with high stakes.
Engels’ blend of industry, technical quality and physical presence has begun to shine in ways that weren’t always evident earlier in the campaign.
Where he once appeared burdened by expectation, he now looks liberated, pressing with intensity, breaking lines with purpose, and making decisive contributions in both domestic and European competition.
Such performances not only justify McGregor’s enthusiasm but also position Engels as a player capable of thriving in Nancy’s possession-driven, high-tempo system.
For the incoming manager, having a midfielder who combines tactical discipline with energy and confidence is an invaluable asset, especially as Celtic prepare for a demanding run that includes Hearts, Roma and a cup final.
Engels’ recent form offers a clear foundation for Nancy to build upon, and McGregor’s comments underline how highly he is regarded within the squad’s leadership core.
As Celtic’s momentum continues to build, Engels has the opportunity to carve out his place not just as a promising acquisition, but as a player central to the club’s identity moving forward.
And with the captain publicly backing him, the message could not be clearer: Arne Engels is no longer simply growing into his role, he is becoming one of the players driving Celtic’s resurgence.
