FC Schalke: Ready or not, here comes Ozan Kabak
By Josh Sippie
FC Schalke face a defensive crisis, so whether David Wagner was ready for it or not, here comes 19-year-old Ozan Kabak to save the day.
October 15th, 2019. David Wagner is asked about Ozan Kabak‘s role at FC Schalke and responds admirably, saying that Kabak could be called upon at any moment, but that he was facing stiff competition at the highest level. The indication was that Kabak would have to wait his turn.
However, Wagner did add that Kabak is “certainly one of the most talented defenders of his age in Europe.”
October 26th, 2019. Benjamin Stambouli breaks his foot.
November 11th, 2019. Salif Sane ruled out for the year.
Just like that, Kabak’s “competition at the highest level was at his doorstep. With nowhere left to turn, Wagner called on his most talented youngster in the place of the injured Stambouli against Augsburg and the Turk headed home for his first goal in his Bundesliga debut.
Now, with Sane out, Kabak’s role has become even more vital to the club.
There’s no doubt that there was tremendous excitement surrounding the arrival of another young, talented player to the Schalke ranks. But as with most young, talented players, they take time, and Wagner was in an excellent position to give Kabak that time. That said, his time was clearly coming when he got the start against Arminia (and won), so it’s hard to think that it was that far off when he took the pitch against Augsburg (and scored, and won).
Kabak is making strong impressions. He’s making them fast. So even as the takes continue to pile on the teenager, as of yet we have no reason to doubt that he has the composure to handle it. Sure, it’s a small sample size. But you can only make the most out of what you’re given. Kazak has done that with flying colors.
The big pressure point on Kabak moving forward is who starts next to him. Sane and Stambouli were the seasoned veterans, the guides a youngster would want. So maybe it’s not the best time to ask Weston McKennie to be a centerback. Maybe it’s time to turn back to Mattija Nastasic (when he’s healthy again), who also boasts considerable experience.
Whatever the case, Ozan Kabak is a point of excitement, not concern. Be wary if you wish, but as for me and my house, we will trust in the vision of David Wagner. He believed in Kabak back in October, so I’ll believe in him now.