The Brilliance of Iheanacho and Engels in Belgrade

Brendan Rodgers’s high praise for two standout performers—specifically Kelechi Iheanacho and Arne Engels—following the challenging European fixture against Red Star Belgrade in Serbia, underscores a crucial shift in the Celtic squad’s dynamic. While established figures like Daizen Maeda and Reo Hatate are often the expected sources of excellence, Rodgers pointedly spotlighted the impact of the Nigerian striker and the burgeoning Belgian midfielder, marking them as players who delivered “very, very good” performances when the team most needed it. This endorsement, coming after a hard-fought draw in a notoriously hostile environment, signals the emergence of a new spine of quality at Parkhead.

Kelechi Iheanacho’s performance was a masterful demonstration of the qualities Rodgers openly stated the team lacked in the first half: a reliable central reference point and clinical penalty-box composure. Replacing Daizen Maeda at halftime, Iheanacho didn’t just change the personnel; he fundamentally shifted Celtic’s entire attacking geometry. The striker immediately offered the physical presence necessary to hold up play, absorb pressure from the Red Star defenders, and allow the midfield to advance. This ability to “take the ball in, use his body well,” as Rodgers noted, provided a far more stable platform for the team to progress up the pitch, turning sterile possession into penetrative attacks.

His goal in the 55th minute was the encapsulation of his world-class pedigree. The touch to control the ball in a crowded box was exquisite, betraying a calmness and awareness few others in the squad possess. The finish itself—stroked clinically into the top corner—was the work of a seasoned goalscorer, a moment of pure, decisive quality that ripped the atmosphere out of the Marakana Stadium. It was an absolutely outstanding piece of individual brilliance that validated Rodgers’ decision to bring him on. As a post-deadline day signing, Iheanacho has instantly showcased his importance, proving he is not merely an alternative but a genuine game-changer whose presence guarantees a higher level of cutting edge in the final third. The expectation is now for ‘Kels’ to build on this momentum, cementing his place as the main striker and a future fan favorite whose hunger and predatory instincts will fuel Celtic’s charge both domestically and in Europe.

While Iheanacho grabbed the headlines with his goal, Arne Engels’s contribution was the sort of quietly formidable performance that forms the bedrock of European success. In the intense, physical battle of the central midfield against Red Star, Engels was a beacon of tactical intelligence and technical strength. What impressed Rodgers was not just a flash of skill, but the relentless consistency and trust he has rapidly earned. Despite his relative youth and newness to the club, Engels navigated the cauldron of Belgrade with the maturity of a veteran.

His role was instrumental in ensuring Celtic maintained control in the engine room. He displayed an exceptional work rate, covering vast amounts of ground to break up play, close down passing lanes, and tirelessly win back possession. Crucially, his contribution with the ball was equally significant. Engels demonstrated the composure and vision necessary to transition defense into attack, ensuring Celtic’s forward moves were founded on clean, progressive passing. His ability to link defense and attack, maintaining the rhythm of the team’s play, prevents the “looseness” in possession that had plagued the first half. Engels is emerging as the reliable, aggressive, and highly technical midfielder that Rodgers can confidently rely on. He is the unsung hero who provides the relentless graft and strategic passing that allows more expressive players to flourish. His performance against a tough, domestic champion like Red Star Belgrade was a testament to his adaptability and his potential to become an indispensable part of Celtic’s spine for years to come.