⚽ Celtic’s Midfield: Deep Dive
- Statistical Benchmarks & Recent Form
Before evaluating the players and tactics, it helps to look at what the numbers reveal:
Arne Engels
In the 2024/25 Champions League, Engels made 10 appearances for Celtic, averaging ~73 minutes per match.
His passing accuracy in those matches was ~79.3%.
He logged ~103.51 km in distance covered overall in those games.
In all competitions last season, his goal/assist contributions were modest in Europe (1 goal, 3 assists in Champions League games) but more impactful domestically, especially in goals scored in league matches and cups.
For this season so far (2025/26), early stats show lower goal output: 1 goal in 5 league games, 654 minutes played, no assists yet.
Paulo Bernardo
In 2024/25, he had 23 Premiership appearances, scoring 2 goals and providing 3 assists in the league.
Also played 8 Champions League games, though without goals or assists in Europe.
His passing accuracy in UEFA Champions League matches was ~75–76%.
He has also been an active presence in domestic cups and has shown more attacking contribution in league play vs European competition.
- The Player Profiles & What They Bring
Using the stats and what has been observed in matches, here are more in-depth profiles of Engels, Bernardo, and the others — what they do well, where they struggle, and how Rodgers might deploy them.
Arne Engels
Strengths:
Off-the-ball work rate and distance covered: He runs a lot, covers ground, helps press, and tracks back. In Champions League matches he has logged high mileage.
Passing ability: Good mix of short and medium passes, decent for building play from midfield. His passing accuracy being ~79% in Europe is strong.
Threat from set pieces / late runs: He can arrive in the box, take penalties — he has scored from the spot in European matches.
Weaknesses / Challenges:
Inconsistency: When given starts vs when used off the bench, his rhythm dips. The longer periods out of the lineup impact his sharpness and confidence.
High expectations due to price tag: Being a club-record signing (or close) brings extra pressure, both from fans/media and internally. Every mistake tends to be magnified.
Decision-making under pressure: The more he tries to be perfect (because he’s fearing mistakes), the slower and more cautious he becomes. That reduces his natural game flow.
Game impact in pivotal moments: In games where momentum swings, or compact / high-pressure scenarios (e.g. European away games, Old Firm), it’s not always clear Engels has made the decisive influence (yet).
Paulo Bernardo
Strengths:
Composure in possession: Good passing, good at retaining the ball under pressure. He’s shown he can move the ball safely and start transitions.
Positional sense / reading the game: He’s good at picking up second balls, interceptions, and knowing where to be off the ball. A player who makes intelligent runs and helps link midfield to attack.
Attacking contributions domestically: More assists and goals in the league and cups than in European matches — likely due to different game styles / opposition.
Resilience and attitude: He shows desire to get involved whether starting or coming off the bench, and tends to maintain a level head even when the team isn’t performing well.
Weaknesses / Challenges:
Less proven in high stakes European games: Limited output in Champions League. Perhaps partly due to fewer minutes or role being more conservative.
Physical demands / readiness: As with many players who move leagues, fitness, adaptation, and match sharpness are key. Delayed return from international duty, injuries, and intermittent starts can disrupt rhythm.
Versatility vs. specialization: While he can perform well in a holding or linking midfield role, how well he can adapt to more offensive or defensive demands outside his comfort zone is less tested.
- Tactical Implications: How Rodgers Might Use Them
Given this group (McGregor, Hatate, Nygren, Engels, Bernardo, McCowan), here are the tactical considerations:
Rotation & fatigue management: Due to fixture congestion (league, cups, Europe), Rodgers must rotate. He can’t rely on the same midfield three all season without risking burnout or injury.
Opponent-specific tactics:
Versus teams that sit deep: Need more creative, penetrating players (Hatate, Nygren).
Versus high-pressing teams / away matches: Need stability, defensive cover (McGregor, Bernardo, Engels).
When needing to chase a game: midfielders who can carry forward and commit forward runs.
Balancing attacking vs defensive responsibilities: Players like Engels have to decide when to press, when to sit deeper. Bernardo might often be used to protect the defense, reclaim possession, or recycle the ball. McGregor brings leadership and balanced influence.
Building chemistry: The more time a certain midfield trio has together, the more understanding develops — anticipating runs, understanding positioning, managing transitions (defence → attack, attack → defence).
- Context & External Factors
There are several external influences that affect how players perform and are perceived:
League vs Europe standards: Opposition quality in the Champions League is much higher. Mistakes are punished, spaces are smaller, pressure is greater. So a player’s stats / visibility may suffer there despite good performances domestically.
Media / fan expectations: When a player is bought for a large sum, or with hype, every error is more visible. That creates extra mental load. Players need to show mental resilience.
Injury / availability: Even small injuries or time off can interrupt momentum. Also, international duties, delayed pre-season, etc., all affect physical and mental sharpness.
Managerial style & philosophy: Brendan Rodgers tends to value midfielders who can do more than one thing — defend, press, contribute in attack — versatility is helpful. He’ll tend to trust players who are consistent rather than those who are flashes of brilliance interspersed with quiet games.
- What Needs to Happen: Paths Forward
For Engels, Bernardo, and the midfield as a whole to fulfill potential, several things need to align:
- Regular Playing Time
Even if it’s not every match, stretches of consistent minutes help build confidence, sharpness, and form. - Clearly Defined Roles
Having a role — whether more attacking, more defensive, box-to-box, or linking — gives a player clarity. Mixed messages hurt decision-making. - Mental Support & Patience
Given the price tag on Engels and the expectations there, he needs time to settle and grow into the role. Fans and media allowing room for mistakes helps. Bernardo likely has less external pressure but still needs patience during dips in form. - Tactical Flexibility from Rodgers
Rodgers needs to be willing to change systems and midfield trios based on opponent / form. Perhaps sometimes sacrificing a more attacking player for solidity, or vice versa. Some matches could see Engels deeper, others more advanced. - Better Performances in Key Games
Big matches (Old Firm clashes, European nights) tend to define perception. If Engels or Bernardo produce in those, criticism will fade. - Physical Conditioning & Match Sharpness
Especially relevant for Bernardo, who missed some time returning from U21 duty, and for Engels, whose rhythm seems to have been interrupted by being benched/off the bench.
- Combinations & Possible Midfield Setups
Let me outline a few longer-term or situational midfield trios that might maximize the strengths of these players, and where they might slot best.
Scenario Ideal Midfield Trio Reasoning
Big European away match / defensive solidity needed McGregor — Bernardo — Hatate McGregor offers leadership and stability; Bernardo sits and protects backline, recycling possession; Hatate gives energy and vertical thrust.
Domestic match vs mid-table / teams defended deep Hatate — Nygren — Engels More forward driving, attacking intent, rotation of creative roles; Engels making late runs; Nygren offering creativity.
Fixture with fatigue / squad rotation needed Bernardo — McCowan — Engels or Hatate Use Bernardo’s consistency, McCowan’s fresh legs, Engels or Hatate to mix in experience / creativity.
Matches where Celtic must dominate possession McGregor — Engels — Nygren McGregor orchestrates; Engels helps with both passing and forward runs; Nygren helps break lines and supply attack.
- Risks & Potential Downsides
It’s not all upside. Some risks to watch:
If Engels or Bernardo fail to step up, they may become scapegoats for any lacklustre performances.
Individual inconsistency may hurt Celtic’s ability to switch styles mid-game — if these midfielders are off form, rotations can be disruptive.
Over-reliance on certain players (McGregor, Hatate) may lead to fatigue or injury issues, especially when depth is needed.
Pressure from fans/media could affect morale, especially for Engels given his price tag, as noted in the article you shared.
- Projection: What Might the Next 6–12 Months Look Like
Here are plausible scenarios / projections, given current data and context:
Engels: If Rodgers gives him a run of starts, he could regain confidence and begin producing more consistently. The conversion rate (goals/assists per appearance) might improve, especially if he’s used in a role that allows late box entries or set pieces. But if he remains a rotational option, his impact may stay limited and criticism will linger.
Bernardo: Likely to continue accumulating start and substitute appearances. If he stays fit, he can establish himself as the primary understudy for McGregor, or even challenge for a regular spot, especially in games needing defensive discipline. His attacking returns may stay modest in European matches but increase in domestic competition.
Team Midfield Quality: If McGregor, Hatate, Nygren, Engels, Bernardo, McCowan all stay fit and in form, Celtic will have one of the strongest midfield benches in Scotland — possibly unmatched. This could become a serious competitive advantage over the long season, especially in cup competitions and for managing load.
Transfer & Squad Adjustments: Depending on performance, Celtic might look to offload players who cannot adapt or show consistency, or bring in additional midfielders (particularly defensive ones) to cover for absences. Engels might need competition for his position to spur performance; similarly, Bernardo might benefit from someone in his mould so Rodgers has options.
- Putting Grant’s Commentary in Perspective
Peter Grant’s remarks in the article you shared make sense in the light of all this:
His request to “forget the £11m price tag” is well-founded; that cost affects perception more than performance, but it doesn’t produce performance.
His observation that Engels is overthinking when not playing matches the stats: lower involvement → less rhythm → less influence.
Grant’s praise for Bernardo as perhaps the only one who can truly replace McGregor in certain roles shows high belief in Bernardo’s tactical and mental attributes.
Grant is essentially reminding fans that footballers are human, that growth curves aren’t linear, and that environment, confidence, and opportunity are critical variables — not just raw talent or cost.
🔮 Final Thoughts
Celtic are in a strong midfield position overall, perhaps stronger than many opponents. But strength in depth is only useful if it is managed well.
Arne Engels is a talent with real upsides; what is needed is consistency, opportunity, and mental resilience. He may well justify the investment, but possibly not in every game or immediately.
Paulo Bernardo is quietly doing many of the right things — sometimes less visible, sometimes less flashy, but essential. If he keeps improving and gets the minutes, he could become a key asset either alongside or in place of McGregor (when needed).
For Rodgers, the job is to manage expectations (internally and externally), rotate intelligently, and trust in his squad’s depth, including those who are less visible right now. If he does, Celtic could see this midfield group deliver more than many now imagine.