Schalke: 5 key players to watch against Fortuna Dusseldorf

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BIELEFELD, GERMANY – OCTOBER 29: Weston McKennie of Schalke controls the ball during the DFB Cup second round match between Arminia Bielefeld and FC Schalke 04 at Schueco Arena on October 29, 2019 in Bielefeld, Germany. (Photo by TF-Images/Getty Images) /

CB Weston McKennie

The other center back in the starting lineup, Weston McKennie is actually a center midfielder by trade and even has the attacking initiative to be a No. 10. (It’s just that he plays on a team that just happens to have one of the best No. 10s in Europe right now in Amine Harit.)

McKennie is the jack of all trades for Schalke, having burst onto the scene last season as one of the lone bright spots in a side that was faced with the threat of relegation. This season, Schalke are in the conversation as a possible Champions League team again, and while McKennie hasn’t been a regular in the starting lineup due to improved seasons from Omar Mascarell and Suat Serdar under new manager David Wagner, McKennie has still played an important role.

The American’s versatility, intelligence, and fighting spirit help put him over the edge. His technical quality and athleticism are difficult to deny, but McKennie’s awareness and adaptability are what make him a manager’s favorite and a critical part of the squad.

Salif Sane’s injury forced McKennie to start at center back last week, and he looked quite good at the position, making a few vital interceptions. McKennie will start at center back again this Saturday vs. Dusseldorf, and if he can have another strong performance that builds on what he did on Matchday 10, then Schalke will be well on their way to securing three more points in the tight Bundesliga title race.

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