Deutscher Meister ist nur der S04 German U19 Champions FC Schalke 04 FC Schalke 04 Hoffenheim 3:1 Congratulations
http://knappenschmiede.schalke04.de/de/aktuell/150713_u17_auftakt/page/1918--6-6-.html New recruits next season for the U17 juniors. Florian Krüger from Magdeburg is a very promising talent who began playing one year in advance in B-Jgd and also a member of the U16 youth NT.
http://knappenschmiede.schalke04.de/de/aktuell/150719_u19_schwaebischhall/page/1928--6-6-.html Impressive start to what should be another strong campaign for the Knappenschmiede. Schalke's U19 have won third consecutive Bundesliga Cup in Schwäbisch Hall. After drawing with Wolfsburg in the opener, they won every game after against the likes of Guangzhou Evergrande, Nürnberg, and Hertha on route to a finals victory vs Stuttgart. Fabian Reese finished as tournament top scorer with 6 goals in 5 games.
Looks like Schalke is continuing the scouting and recruitment work in the US. After Haji Wright, the next young young American prospect signed is Weston McKennie from FC Dallas. The '98-born central midfield will join the U19 team. http://www.starsandstripesfc.com/2016/8/30/12710634/weston-mckennie-fc-schalke-american-usa
It will be interesting to see if we can continue to integrate youth players into the professional team. One downside to all the new players is the reduced playing time for youth players. Allthough I'm not sure there is a new Sane or Meyer among them. I hope Kehrer and Tekpetey can get a bit of playing time. It would be especially important for Kehrer.
Avdijaj is probably the closest to being considered the next in line for a breakthrough after Sane, Meyer, and Draxler, etc. Then followed by Kehrer, Reese, and Ademoglu. Although of course note everyone is going to make it. But the latter 3 do require more time given on a higher level before making that assessment. Kehrer might actually have a better chance at CB than CDM now that Bentaleb and Stambouli have been brought in. But both positions are pretty stocked right now. If there doesn't appear to be much of an opening or opportunity for him on the senior team by winters break, then IMO you guys need to at least consider sending him out on loan for match practice. Especially since he turns 20 next year and his contract runs until 2019. Ayhan has already moved onto Düsseldorf.
Good debut appearance from McKennie. He had a goal and assist in a test match against Düsseldorf U19 today. Also here's an article on Stephan Schmidt, coach of the U17s. Discussing team captain Luca Beckenbauer who joined from Bayern's academy this summer and others. http://www.reviersport.de/337442---s04-luca-beckenbauer-schalke-kam.html
Derbysieg as Schalke U19 win 2-1 vs Dortmund U19 in this season's first match up. That Benjamin Goller kid signed from Stuttgarter Kickers during the summer scored both goals and has been doing well since joining. He has 5 goals and 3 assists through 6 games so far. I've read that McKennie also continues to be given very positive reviews.
Good news for the Schalke academy. Norbert Elgert has signed an unlimited contract extension with no end date to remain as coach of the U19s. http://knappenschmiede.schalke04.de/de/aktuell/160923_elgert_vertrag/page/2540--6-6-.html
http://www.empireofsoccer.com/haji-wright-called-in-to-training-camp-for-schalkes-first-team-56753/ Haji Wright Called in to Training Camp For Schalke’s First Team 1/04/2017
http://www.socceramerica.com/articl...es-schalke-debut-gaines-as.html?edition=16673 Haji Wright debuted for Schalke 04's first team
PITTSBURGH – The Pittsburgh Riverhounds are pleased to announce a promotional partnership with FC Schalke 04, welcoming the renowned Bundesliga club to the Steel City on May 19-20. The partnership will extend throughout 2017, with the clubs expected to partner up on various community-related events. http://www.uslsoccer.com/news_article/show/790131?referrer_id=2333971
https://www.socceramerica.com/artic...oted-to-schalke-first-team.html?edition=17228 American teenagers Weston McKennie, 18, and Haji Wright, 19, have been promoted to Schalke 04's first team by Coach Markus Weinzierl and will join the team for the 2016-17 season finale at Ingolstadt. The move comes two days after the end of the U-19 campaign for McKennie, Wright and fellow American Nick Taitague. Schalke 04 lost to Bayern Munich in a shootout after their semifinal series ended 5-5.
https://www.socceramerica.com/artic...s-eye-first-team-promotion.html?edition=17359 Schalke's U.S. teens eye first-team promotion June 15, 2017 10:10PM