Arne Engels signs for West Ham
Arne Engels signs for West Ham
Three years after Declan Rice left West Ham United, the club is still searching for the midfielder capable of filling the void he left behind.
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Could Arne Engels be the answer?
The 22-year-old Belgian has emerged as an intriguing option after establishing himself at Celtic, following a spell in the Bundesliga with Augsburg.
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A modern No. 8, Engels combines athleticism, progressive passing and an eye for goal with impressive set-piece delivery.
He isn't a direct replacement for Rice, and expecting any midfielder to replicate Rice's influence would be unrealistic. Engels is more attack minded and isn't a natural defensive midfielder. His strengths lie in carrying the ball forward, linking midfield with attack and making late runs into the box.
West Ham have lacked a midfielder capable of consistently controlling games, driving the team forward and contributing at both ends of the pitch since Rice departed. Engels has some of those qualities, although his defensive numbers and consistency remain areas that need improvement.
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His time at Celtic has provided valuable European experience, while his previous Bundesliga spell means he has already experienced a considerably higher level of football than many players his age.
There are still questions though. Can his passing and decision-making translate to the Premier League? Can he perform when West Ham aren't dominating possession?
And, most importantly, can he develop the defensive discipline required to operate alongside or occasionally instead of a more defensive-minded midfielder?
At 22, however, Engels has time on his side.
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For West Ham, this wouldn't necessarily be about finding another Declan Rice. It would be about finding a midfielder who can help build the next generation of the team while offering qualities that have been missing since Rice walked through the London Stadium exit door.
So, three years on from Rice's departure, could Arne Engels finally be the midfielder capable of filling at least part of that void?
He may not be the next Declan Rice.
Although, perhaps West Ham don't need him to be.
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