Central Midfield
Despite David Wagner’s willingness to change things up and move pieces around, he clearly has a favorite central midfield pairing, and that is Omar Mascarell and Weston McKennie. There’s no reason to flip the script now. These two can dominate a midfield. Despite all the annoyances against Hoffenheim, I can still picture the immaculate slide tackle from Mascarell, and that’s what we’ve come to expect out of him.
More from Release The Knappen
- Schalke 04: Arkadiusz Milik would take everything, but he’s worth it
- Schalke 04: Ozan Kabak makes Jean-Claire Todibo pass quietly
- Schalke 04: Omar Mascarell the only boost between now and then
- Schalke 04: David Wagner just has to make it to the end of the season
- Schalke 04: At least we still have Weston McKennie
McKennie was missing last week due to a minor injury, but assuming he is healthy again, he absolutely cannot be left out in any Revierderby… ever. This is a young man who understands the pressure and thrives in it. Maybe he gets a bit overzealous at times, but that comes from a place of wanting to own the entire game.
Rather that than a diminutive presence who shies away from the spotlight.
It’s Axel Witsel on the Dortmund side who will be the primary threat to Mascarell and McKennie establishing midfield control, but for as sturdy as Witsel is, the resourcefulness and boundless enthusiasm of our midfield should be enough to capture this theater of play. Especially with the home crowd support.
These two will also be tasked with the all important transition into attack. But more on that later. First, let’s talk wide midfielders.