Sutton’s verdict on the Bernardo for Engels debate | OneFootball

Former Celtic striker Chris Sutton was unambiguous in his backing of current Hoops midfielder Arne Engels ahead of tonight’s showdown against Club Brugge in the Champions League…

Arne Engels at Tynecastle. Hearts v Celtic, 23 November 2024. Photo Vagelis Georgariou (The Celtic Star)

Since arriving from Bundesliga outfit FC Augsburg in the summer for a record fee of £11 million, the Belgian playmaker has made 15 appearances for Celtic registering three goals and six assists.

Despite a slight slump in form in recent league matches against Kilmarnock at Rugby Park prior to the international break and then Hearts at Tynecastle, Engels has come into his own in the Champions League.

Displaying fine performances notably versus Slovan Bratislava and RB Leipzig, the 21 year-old has shown the merits in the Hoops hierarchy shelling out a large fee for the central midfielder.

Engels Arne midfielder of Belgium during the UEFA Nations League tournament League A Phase Group A2 match between Israel and Belgium on November 17, 2024 in Budapest, Hungary, 17/11/2024 Photo Tomas Sisk

However, there have been calls from supporters for Paulo Bernardo to start ahead of Engels for tonight’s Champions League encounter with the Belgian’s former academy side Club Brugge.

Bernardo’s substitute appearance against Hearts has given boss Brendan Rodgers with some thinking to do ahead of a congested fixture list between now and New Year. The Portuguese u21 skipper was excellent for his 25-minute spell cameo in Gorgie as he set up Adam Idah for the Scottish champions third of the match.

Subsequently, ex legendary Celtic forward and now pundit Chris Sutton was asked by a viewer on his ‘It’s All Kicking Off’ Daily Mail podcast about who he thinks is Brendan Rodgers’ best midfield trio.

Arne Engels at the Premier Sports Cup semi-final, Celtic against Aberdeen. Photo AJ for The Celtic Star

Sutton responded, “oh good question, I know where he is going with that one.”

“Callum McGregor, Reo Hatate and Arne Engels. I think there are Celtic fans because Engels was their record signing, they would probably have expected more from him this season and there are Celtic fans out there saying they should play [Paulo] Bernardo in the middle of the park with Hatate and McGregor, but I think Engels like any new player needs time.”

Barring away to Borussia Dortmund at the Westfalenstadion in early October, Rodgers has opted for a midfield three of McGregor, Hatate and Engels. Therefore, a tweak in the middle of the park for such a mammoth occasion tonight seems unlikely.

Arne Engels. Hearts v Celtic, Scottish Premiership, Tynecastle. 23 November 2024. Photo Vagelis Georgariou (The Celtic Star)

However, with several midweek games on the horizon, rotation to the starting lineup will be key to not only maintaining harmony within the squad, but to keep players fresh and ready.

Paulo Bernardo celebrates scoring to give Celtic a 0-2 lead. St Johnstone v Celtic, Scottish Premiership, Football, McDiarmid Park, Perth Stuart Wallace/Shutterstock

Bernardo’s time will undoubtedly come this season with his new permanent club, but for now, Engels should quite rightly get the nod – especially for this evening’s clash with the Belgian champions.

Conor Spence

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