Sutton's Shocking Concerns About Celtic's Midfield Weakness

Why Chris Sutton Is Losing Sleep Over Celtic

As the dust settles from Sunday's chastening derby defeat at Rangers, the spotlight is firmly on Celtic's midfield—specifically, its perceived lack of substance. Former Celtic star Chris Sutton has made no secret of his concerns, calling the team's performance 'disappointing' and 'lightweight.' This isn't just a passing comment from an ex-player—it's a strategic observation with real weight behind it.

"The midfield is so thin and lightweight, it feels like we're throwing players at the wall," Sutton told BBC Sport. "They're not getting the ball in dangerous positions or controlling the tempo."

Let's unpack what that really means. In a high-stakes environment like the Old Firm derby, where every possession counts and momentum can shift in an instant, Celtic's midfield is under intense scrutiny. Sutton's concern stems from more than just a few poor passes—this is a systemic issue that could haunt O'Neill's team for months to come.

Arne Engels: A Missing Piece?

One name particularly stands out in Sutton's critique: Belgium international Arne Engels. The 25-year-old joined Celtic on a free transfer last summer, hoping to bolster their midfield options. But so far, his impact has been muted at best. While he's shown flashes of brilliance in training, the pressure of top-flight football hasn't quite clicked for him yet.

• Engels struggles with defensive responsibilities
• His passing accuracy drops off under pressure
• Lack of creativity in the final third

What's particularly telling is how easily Rangers' midfield dominated Celtic during Sunday's match. The visitors weren't just better—they were sharper, more aggressive, and far more effective in transition. For Celtic, that's a red flag. If their new midfielder can't step up, they're going to keep being outplayed in tight games.

The Bigger Picture: O'Neill's Midfield Crisis?

It's easy to focus on one player or one performance, but this isn't just about Engels. It's a symptom of a deeper problem within Celtic's setup. O'Neill has built his system around high pressing and quick transitions, but without a strong midfield foundation, those plans crumble.

In fact, this issue wasn't entirely unforeseen. Celtic's recruitment strategy has leaned heavily on youth and international talent, but the gap between academy graduates and first-team action is often wide. Engels may be the latest example of that disconnect—his physicality, work rate, and tactical awareness haven't matched expectations.

So what's the fix? Sutton isn't holding back here: "We need to look at our midfield as a whole unit, not just individual players." That means investing in depth, adding some real grit, and making sure that when the pressure mounts, Celtic's engine room is ready to rev up.

Can Celtic Fix This Before It's Too Late?

Celtic's season has already shown signs of inconsistency. The loss to Rangers was one of several matches where they've looked vulnerable in midfield—a trend that needs addressing urgently. As the league season progresses, these issues will only become more pronounced.

Sutton believes that while Celtic have a strong squad, they're missing key ingredients in their core units. If they fail to reinforce this area soon, we might see a decline in form that impacts not just league standings but cup ambitions too.

It's worth noting that O'Neill is known for his tactical intelligence and ability to adapt mid-season. He's also had success in bringing in the right players at the right time. But with the transfer window closing soon, Celtic must make a decisive move—either to bring in an experienced midfielder or give Engels more time to prove himself in a system that suits him better.

"Celtic have the tools to compete, but they need to use them smartly," Sutton emphasized. "The midfield needs to be the engine that drives everything else."

Looking Ahead: Is This the Start of a Longer Struggle?

The truth is, this isn't just about one game or one player—it's about Celtic's identity. When you're competing at the highest level in Scotland, especially in the Old Firm rivalry, you can't afford weaknesses in your structure.

Sutton's warning may not be the last word on the subject, but it's an important one. It's a call to action for Celtic fans, management, and players alike. If they want to stay competitive in the league and in Europe, they must fix what's broken now—or risk falling behind even further.

In the end, this is a story about growth, resilience, and the importance of being prepared for the inevitable challenges that come with elite football. As I've always said, champions aren't made in the moments of triumph—they're forged in the hard work and strategic thinking that happens in the face of adversity.