Sometimes I think players could use those air traffic control fluorescent paddles to signal they're open for a pass and where they want it. I bet Aronjo would have loved those.
He wasn't executing quickly enough for the predatory Dortmunders to begin and when he speeded up, his partner wasn't in sync. He played a little too much like a midfielder in receiving the ball forward. That's all expected, they can study the game and work on shielding and turning. I would think they eventually play him top of the diamond midfield instead of striker and the experience of playing further up against Dortmund will give him the sense he needs of how difficult it is.
Obviously Wes is going to be a midfielder (6/8, or perhaps 10) long-term, but can't stress how impressed I am that they trust him enough to play center back, attacking mid and forward in a pinch. I think it reflects well on his versatility, professionalism and maturity and I can't wait to watch him grow as a player over the next few cycles.
I think it also reflects on Schalke being lucky that this season there are four truly dismal teams in the BuLi (Hannover, Fortuna, Nürnberg & Augsburg). Any other season, they'd be in the red zone.
He wasn't asked to do that. I think Tedesco wanted a False 9, and boy did he get it! Spuds is young, but just about any starter in his position with his starts finds the match a bit better. I thought he went missing on several key plays. Head down, ran away from ball.
Is there a timeline on when they get any of their strikers back? Would rather have McKennie play striker than CB, but would be nice to see him back at his preferred position.
Sportbild.de had an article about the differences between Dortmund and Schalke this season. Of note: McKennie is featured on the title picture as "Typical images of the season: BVB Captain Reus celebrates while Schalke stars Burgtaller and McKennie are frustrated." No mention of McKennie in the article, but awesome to see him get some reps from the quality folks at Sportbild.de. https://sportbild.bild.de/bundeslig...bvb-revierderby-vergleich-58842322.sport.html
Did pretty well given how different it is to play with one's back to goal. Lots of good plays in the video, with a few rushed passes that were outright mistakes instead of good gambles.
Versatility is not always a good thing. I'd rather see him becoming so good at a certain position that they cannot afford to move him around.
If that's the inspiration, it needs to stop. Where's the beef? Also to Sam's point that - if it is his point - WM was somehow deficient in being able to find the game at striker and that most other players dropped in that role would have picked it up quicker...I just can't...can't even begin to articulate the extent to which I disagree with that claim.
Trivia: Schopf was one of two Bayern Reserve players signed to professional contracts by Pep Guardiola in winter 2013. The other young attacker who had been tearing up Bayern II was considered the more promising prospect. Julian Green
laugh if you must; he still got a WC goal against Belgium at age 19 after only 5 minutes on the pitch
No one should laugh at Julian. He is a 23 year old kid, making $500k to play soccer. He is very good, just not looking like he'll ever be a star for club or country. Most people do a lot worse.
Hold a contract in your hand giving me 10% of that salary to play soccer for a living and I'll take it - and your whole arm off. Depending on the country, and the cost of living in said country, and I'd do it for 5%. Again taking your whole arm off.