Could Arne Engels Help West Ham Fill the Declan Rice Void?

Three years after Declan Rice departed West Ham United, the club are still searching for a midfielder capable of making a significant impact in his absence. Could Arne Engels be the player to help fill that gap?

The 22-year-old Belgian has caught attention after making his mark at Celtic, following an earlier spell in the Bundesliga with Augsburg. A modern No. 8, Engels offers athleticism, progressive passing, attacking intent and an impressive ability from set pieces.

However, he should not be viewed as a direct replacement for Rice. Replicating Rice’s influence would be an unrealistic expectation, while Engels is naturally more attack-minded and does not possess the same defensive profile. His biggest strengths are carrying the ball forward, connecting midfield with attack and arriving late in the penalty area.

Since Rice’s departure, West Ham have struggled to find a midfielder capable of controlling matches, pushing the team forward and making meaningful contributions at both ends of the pitch. Engels possesses several of those qualities, although his defensive statistics and consistency still require development.

His experience with Celtic has also given him valuable exposure to European football, while his time in Germany means he has already competed at a high level despite his young age.

There are, nevertheless, important questions surrounding a potential Premier League move. Can Engels’ passing and decision-making translate effectively to English football? Can he influence matches when West Ham are forced to play without sustained possession? And perhaps most importantly, can he develop the defensive discipline needed to play alongside, or occasionally deputise for, a more defensively minded midfielder?

At just 22, Engels has plenty of time to improve.

For West Ham, the objective would not necessarily be to find another Declan Rice. Instead, it could be about bringing in a midfielder capable of becoming an important part of the club’s next generation while providing some of the qualities that have been missing since Rice left the London Stadium.

Three years on from Rice’s departure, could Arne Engels finally help West Ham begin to close that midfield gap?

He may never become the next Declan Rice.

Perhaps, though, West Ham do not need him to be.