It looks like McKennie got the assist on the first goal, as he put a long throw straight into the box for the Schalke scorer to head home.
He is also credited with the assist on the opening goal for Schalke. A beast of a throw in lead to Boujellab's head. 1-0 on the day, 4-1 on aggregate. Match is streaming here:
Seems like McKennie is the target on free kicks/corners more often than not. Really explosive in the air.
Not sure what strategy Schalke was trying to employ, or if there even was a strategy, but it made for a lot of 1 v 3s for Haji and McKennie was constantly trying to organize the back to no avail
Holy shit what a brutal way to lose. Bayern's 5th attempt went off the crossbar, off the diving keeper's back and into the net.
Highly questionable tactics from Schalke - sitting and inviting Bayern to get the equalizer, which they did. McKennie played the last half hour almost as a third CB and Schalke was outnumbered in midfield.
Yes, Sciaretta said Weston might, although they'll probably have to announce an injury for that to happen.
I've always thought this would be a strong, strong possibility if Bayern could pull it off - which I (mistakenly) thought was a long shot. https://t.co/e6QBMw0yMr— Brian Sciaretta (@BrianSciaretta) May 16, 2017 864530235554922496 is not a valid tweet id
I cannot watch the entire match, so I have to ask someone who watched some of his games: What is his playing styles? What about comparing to Edu?
Comparing him to American CM's doesn't do his ability justice. He's more talented than any American CM I've seen play. He's an absolute monster. Excellent tackler, great in the air, really athletic, good motor, good passer (both short, medium range, and long diagonal passes), and he has a nice shot. I don't think he's bad at anything, as consistent as any player you will find from how Schalke fans describe his play this season. Arturo Vidal is who I'd compare him to.
I've only watched the first half, but Vidal seems to be a good comparison (albeit in a tiny sample size for me). He really was everywhere in the first half. Dude is a beast in the air, and really drove play forward by dribbling through midfield a few times. I was surprised by his speed with the ball at his feet. Anyone know Schalke's CM depth chart?
Its pretty deep. Goretzka, Bentaleb and Geis are all very good. And they also have Stambouli who can do a job. Goretzka was rumored to be joining Bayern though, so if that happens, it could open up some more playing time. They don't have any CM's besides those four though, so there might be room for another CM next season, but it's not going be easy to earn a lot of playing time at Schalke in CM.
I was impressed by how the ball was glued to his feet on those surging runs through the midfield, looked like CP when he was dribbling by 4 players and they just seemed to fall away unable to keep up with his pace.
Would people rather see him get 3 games at the u20 World Cup, or a 90 minute debut with Schalke? I'd go with Schalke debut. Hope that's in the cards for him.
Honestly, I'd rather him get at least 3 games with the u20s. I feel like his debut with the Schalke first team is inevitable so I'd rather he had the experience of playing in a meaningful tournament. I think traveling and playing for your country on the other side of the world would be both rewarding and an invaluable learning experience. Plus, he was hurt this year so I'd rather he got as many competitive games as possible. I realize that I'm likely in the minority here but that's just how I see it. I don't think a Schalke match between scrubs and kids is going to be as good for him as the WC. Especially cuz I think he has a shot at first team minutes early next season.
I think he'll be getting more than 3 games with U20's and I don't think he'll get a full 90 with Schalke. Selfishly I want to see him get 4+ games at the U20s for the US because he can't get that back. He'll start getting his 90s with Schalke hopefully next year after earning it with games that matter as opposed to getting thrown a bone for a single end of season game that means nothing.
If the game actually meant something and he earned the time for the first team. Essentially the game is a friendly exhibition and not taken seriously because it means nothing in the standings.
While German teams like to recognize up-and-coming players with an appearance in the last few games of the season, it would be pretty rare to give someone from the youth squads a full 90. 30 minutes might be more realistic and that is a long-shot.