ST Benito Raman
The Belgian international continues to play at a superstar level for the Royal Blues. Benito Raman didn’t grab a goal on Matchday 18, but he did set up Gregoritsch’s game-sealing strike by unselfishly squaring a pass for the Austrian forward.
Raman’s vision continues to improve with each passing game, as he’s become as adept at setting up others as he is at finishing a chance himself. Devastating on the counterattack, Raman’s sprints have already become the stuff of legends. It is remarkable how hard he works in every single game.
Per WhoScored.com, Raman had two key passes, shots on target, dribbles completed, and fouls drawn in this game. Talk about making an impact.
CB Ozan Kabak
Finally, praise needs to be given to Schalke’s defense for holding Gladbach’s dangerous attack of Marcus Thuram, Alasanne Plea, and Breel Embolo to a clean sheet. Embolo and Plea had a couple of dangerous moments, but they were clearly not able to play to their standard. And Thuram, who has been one of the Bundesliga’s absolute best players this season, looked woeful in the shadow of Schalke’s stalwart defense.
Matija Nastasic and Jonjoe Kenny had great games despite not making the list, but more praise needs to go to Ozan Kabak, who is quite clearly the best center back in the league at this moment in time.
The 19-year-old completely took Thuram out of the game. Kabak blocked two shots and made three clearances in a composed display, showing the type of leadership at the heart of the home defense that is uncanny for a teenager.