I actually thought he struggled in his minutes, but its his debut at a higher level of play, and he's a very talented player. He'll figure out the Bundesliga level eventually, IMO.
from 78:38 - 78:51, he just showed how talented he is on both the defensive and offensive side of the ball. if his through pass does not just hit the defenders leg, he might of had an assist after causing the initial turnover. This play reminds of Bobby Woods near golazo @ Ireland a few years back before he broke out. Bobby Wood on that play displayed the total package. He was criticized heavily for not scoring the goal, but he showed intelligence, speed, power, and technique. I saw this just now with McKennie.
How did he end up with the #2 shirt? Don't the fresh bloods usually get some ridiculous number to wear like...46? Anyway. Awesome to debut!
I noticed that as well. I think it probably just happened to be available. If not, it is quite the vote of confidence.
I haven't read too much about this kid, as over the last 2 years in life I've sort of had to limit my intake of sports knowledge so I could spend time on other things (freakin relationships), so would someone mind giving writing up a synopsis of Weston's game/potential? Danke
I hope so. There's a rumor that Goretzka might go to Bayern this summer. That could open up playing time for McKennie. If not, I don't know where his playing time is coming from, especially with Schalke having no European competitions next season.
3 Yanks starting in cup match today: #U19-Start11 gg. #BVB! VOOOOOORWÄRTS, #Schalke! #Westfalenpokal #Halbfinale #S04 #schmiede pic.twitter.com/bzQwP080tD— Knappenschmiede (@knappenschmiede) May 26, 2017
This thread is superfluous. Weston's thread can be found in the big boy section now. @bungadiri can we please have a merge?
He's a pretty well rounded, two-way 8. He has good physical qualities and puts them to use charging forward and covering back. He gets stuck in. I've seen him play in a more attacking 8/10 role in a 3 man CM and he has an eye for the long throughball in transition. Reportedly he has a good head on his shoulders and is a leader. He's maybe more of a Vidal, young Ballack, Essien, Van Bommel, Viera type than a Xavi, Xabi, or a Gundogan. Based on his play so far I would be disappointed if he wasn't able to match Bradley's professional peak and depending on luck and timing that could be before 2022.
Starts: #FINALE im #Westfalenpokal! So startet die #U19 beim SV Lippstadt! VOOOOOOORWÄERS #SCHALKE!!! #schmiede #s04 pic.twitter.com/BCiwR8icEs— Knappenschmiede (@knappenschmiede) May 30, 2017
.@WMckennie crowned his final game before his 'graduation' with a Cup win yesterday!Check out his first interview in German 👇 pic.twitter.com/wlXQ424v1g— Schalke 04 USA🇺🇸 (@s04_us) May 31, 2017
For those who have been lucky enough to watch his games - is he more a traditional 6 or a box-to-box 8? Thanks!
Schalke use him more as a 6, but I think he's more of an 8. At times with Schalke, he was almost playing as a 3rd center-back. He could probably also play the 10 in a pinch. I wouldn't compare him stylistically to Bradley, but he kind of has that type of CM versatility that he could play any of those three positions.