Getting a debut for Schalke at 18 is no joke as far as Americans go. Quite impressive. Could be a regular next season as a 19 yr old. That places him well in front of the American curve. Interesting we're looking for a Jones NT replacement and it very well might come from Schalke.
I think he's better than Stambouli, the idiot who got sent off today. If given the chance, I think he could take his spot for next season, but there's no guarantee that the coach is going to freeze out a veteran, and give a spot to an inexperienced player.
Saw that Kolasinac is a free agent, that's good news as Schalke will need to spend their precious transfer dollars on a new left back, potentially mitigating the chances of them looking to upgrade their midfield.
I think what would really accelerate his chances at playing time is if Goretzka leaves. He's been rumored to join Bayern. If that happens, and they don't bring in any replacements, thats a definite starter leaving at McKennie's position with no replacements. Even if they do bring in a replacement, he's likely not going to be as much of a certainty for getting minutes ahead of McKennie as Goretzka is.
Clearly Schalke thinks much of him. But he has to earn his spot. Much like Pulisic, he's on a deep team with options, and nothing will be given to him.
Completely agree. Pulisic is excellent, but people forget that he had perfect conditions. Had an EU passport (could go to Europe earlier), got promoted way earlier than most would under his situation, had a coach who wanted to play him right away to get him experience, his debut season was during a time where Dortmund had a lot of matches, didn't have that many options in front of him the first season he was trying to break through. It was pretty much perfect conditions. For McKennie (and Wright), I'm not sure its really perfect conditions. Its not awful conditions, but not great. Schalke has probably the fewest games next season that they'd had in any recent season since they aren't playing in Europe. I believe Weston (and Haji) are individually good enough to earn playing time if given a chance next season, but I'm not so sure the type of chance Pulisic got will come. I would like to see Weston (and Haji) go out on loan next season. It'd be great if they got regular playing time next season with Schalke, but the way its looking, that probably won't be happening. It would be selfish of me to say that I want them to remain at Schalke next season so the name Schalke is attached to their resume. I'm sure they want to break through as professionals, and just being realistic, they probably have a better chance of that elsewhere, even if its a 2. Bundesliga club. But its good that they were both promoted by Schalke to the first team and Weston got a debut today. It shows that they are highly rated, and the club at least considers them as players who could eventually be regulars for them.
Counterfacutals are impossible to prove. Obviously it's a great sign, but let's not engage in premature jocularity. It makes a mess.
One possibility we are under rating: he's just plain better than the current options.schalke view him as an option right now. I don't think they will loan him.
McKennie is said to be strong aerially, so hopefully he scores a few with his head so we can go with Set Peace of Westonphalia.
On his few touches he just looked powerful on the ball. More athletic than the majority of the field for sure. At 18.
Absolutely over the moon for this boy. We need more youth to take this path, or at least attempt to. To come to Europe without a European passport is not an easy thing to do. In less than 1 years time, McKennie has gone from playing U17/U18 DA in front of parents to making his debut in the Bundesliga for one of the bigger clubs in Europe. He took a huge gamble turning down a HG contract with an MLS club to prove that he could make it in Europe. Once a teenager is given a debut in Europe, it is easy for them to think they have made it - I don't think McKennie will be that player and he will continue to push on and become an important part of Schalke's set up. I hope he continues to make strides in his career and gets some games next season with the first team. I also hope Arena gives him a look, and I am excited at the prospect of a McKennie/Kellyn Acosta partnership for many years to come for the US.
We look forward to seeing more of #McKennie next season! 💪Congratulations on your debut, Weston! 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/6ccmoLCQFx— Schalke 04 USA🇺🇸 (@s04_us) May 21, 2017