Brendan Rodgers has told Arne Engels’ doubters that he should “learn” from past players who were quick to judge.
Celtic broke theirs change history to sign the Belgian player from Augsburg for £11m in the summer.
Many saw him as the successor to Matt O’Riley after his move to Brighton but, with three goals and six assists in 16 games, many critics believe he has not lived up to expectations so far.
The 21-year-old was replaced by Paulo Bernardo after an hour on Wednesday 1-1 Champions League draw and Club Brugge, while others are calling for the Portuguese forward to start in the upcoming games.
But Rodgers was quick to point out that Bernardo and Nicolas Kuhn faced similar criticism before finding their form with the Scottish champions.
“The most recent example of this would be Paul. It was the same, if I remember back, I showed him in his performance this time last year,” said the boss of Celtic ahead of Saturday’s Premiermee against Ross County.
“Now, he can’t be happy enough when he enters the arena. It’s called development, it’s called patience, it’s called time.
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Kuhn scored in Celtic’s victory over Hearts in their last Premier League game
“Arne is an amazing young player, otherwise we wouldn’t have brought him here. He doesn’t put a price on it.
“He has come here to a big club to change his game and I have no doubt he will do that.
“I know it will not be like that, but I hope that people will learn their lesson. The same people who were writing Paul and Nicolas Kuhn, will be Arne Engels, will be someone else.
“Some will be able to improve and improve but not everyone is like that, especially a young player.
“I have been very happy since he came because I know the future. He will change, he will grow and become better. We have seen it many times.”
Alistair Johnston was named in the FIFA World Best XI
Rodgers also expressed his delight at right-back Alistair Johnston’s selection in the FIFA World Best XI in recognition of his performances for Celtic and Canada in 2024.
“It’s very smart of him,” he added.
“It recognizes the consistency with which he has played internationally and internationally, and shows how he is rising as a player. It is a great honor to be recognized on the list.”
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