I think Nick will get a chance if he makes it to Schalke’s January camp. But, Norbert doesn’t like releasing his players too early to the first team. He is a big believer in putting in your time at the 19 level. Plus, there hasn’t been any significant injuries on the first team. Unless the 20 camp is on Intl Break...Schalke will not release players on any random date. They are by-the-rules club.
Won 6-1, Nick scored and assisted and also caused Flo's 2nd goal with timely press. Next week is the big game against Leipzig.
http://www.reviersport.de/361912---s04-u19-trainer-elgert-begeistert-seiner-mannschaft.html "As well outside performer Nicholas Taitague presented himself. About the small, nimble Americans ran in the first half almost every offensive action the Schalke. The 18-year-old was always dangerous on the left side and prepared one or two good scoring chances. The Gladbacher had their problems with Taitague and got him the whole game is not under control. In the 57th minute he crowned his performance with the interim 4: 0. Elgert then took him off the field 20 minutes before the end and gave him the applause of the approximately 270 spectators."
He mostly plays on the left side; but played the 8 and 10 in a couple of games. I have noticed that he cheats to the middle often. By the way, Smolinski and Ahmed got hurt today. Hopefully not anything before next weekend. They play 4-4-2 and it has been pretty strong with Flo and Ahmed up top. Goller and Nick have been unsung heroes at times playing the wing and getting either first or second assists. Long drive to Leipzig next weekend. Looks like 200 or so Schalke fans making the trip.
https://tv.dfb.de/video/11-spieltag-staffel-west-alle-spiele-alle-tore/19866/ Starts :30...the field was a mess...lot of rain and it was the sinking mud...
Good find. The way he gets the defender on his hip and creates separation to make the pass gives you a pretty good insight into his game. Pulisic does this too and it's a very rare trait. The way they can just take a touch and have a guy on their hip puts them in control when they have the ball. Some guys play for years and never learn how to do it. If you are running side by side with Pulisic, you're cooked. He's got you right where he wants you. Seeing more of that from Nick would be amazing and should give him a very valuable tool as he tries to make the step up.
Nick left the pitch at 33' in Schalke U19 DFB Junior Cup match at RB Leipzig (Final 1 - 3) Hopefully that was tactical, not an injury - anyone have any info on this?
It was injury, per Schalke's site. No details given as to type or severity. http://knappenschmiede.schalke04.de/de/aktuell/171112_u19_rbl/page/3024--6-6-.html
This is just a rumor...but before his injury. Source close to Schalke said that Nick has been identified to go to January Camp and also 1st team camp during the summer. Of course, he would have to be healthy. His play beginning in April(last season)has been superb. Let’s see what happens. Schalke had the reputation of developing most of their players through their academy; however, the most recent team only had 3 players from their academy system. They want to get back to that system as spending more money doesn’t make you a better team. Tedesco is a coach known to play young and to give them a chance. Nick, Goller, Fleckstein, Czyborra, Flo, and Yannis could be on the list. Ahmed has a chance also. Alper from the 23s will get a shot.
No Taitague in Schalke's U19 game yesterday. A Twitter search doesn't yield any information. Hopefully that means that his injury isn't long-term.
Not sure of authenticity...Nick is out with a muscle strain for 3-4 weeks. Long shot to make it back for game on Dec 17th..quarterfinals.
Thanks for the info! I assume this is: Christopher Gloster from NYRB and Taylor Booth from RSL, but anyone know who Zion might be?