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FC Schalke 04: 5 things we learned from 0-0 draw with Hertha

By Kevin Parvizi

31 January 2020, Berlin: Football: Bundesliga, Hertha BSC - FC Schalke 04, 20th matchday in the Olympic Stadium. Javairo Dilrosun (r) and Per Skjelbred (l) of Hertha against Omar Mascarell of Schalke. Photo: Soeren Stache/dpa-Zentralbild/dpa - IMPORTANT NOTE: In accordance with the regulations of the DFL Deutsche Fußball Liga and the DFB Deutscher Fußball-Bund, it is prohibited to exploit or have exploited in the stadium and/or from the game taken photographs in the form of sequence images and/or video-like photo series. (Photo by Soeren Stache/picture alliance via Getty Images)
31 January 2020, Berlin: Football: Bundesliga, Hertha BSC - FC Schalke 04, 20th matchday in the Olympic Stadium. Javairo Dilrosun (r) and Per Skjelbred (l) of Hertha against Omar Mascarell of Schalke. Photo: Soeren Stache/dpa-Zentralbild/dpa - IMPORTANT NOTE: In accordance with the regulations of the DFL Deutsche Fußball Liga and the DFB Deutscher Fußball-Bund, it is prohibited to exploit or have exploited in the stadium and/or from the game taken photographs in the form of sequence images and/or video-like photo series. (Photo by Soeren Stache/picture alliance via Getty Images) /
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BERLIN, GERMANY – JANUARY 31: Ozan Kabak of Schalke 04 in action during Bundesliga week 20 soccer match between Hertha Berlin and Schalke 04 in Berlin, Germany on January 31, 2020. (Photo by Abdulhamid Hosbas/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)
BERLIN, GERMANY – JANUARY 31: Ozan Kabak of Schalke 04 in action during Bundesliga week 20 soccer match between Hertha Berlin and Schalke 04 in Berlin, Germany on January 31, 2020. (Photo by Abdulhamid Hosbas/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images) /

4. Todibo looks lively

Barcelona loanee Jean-Clair Todibo only got a few minutes at the end of the game to show what he has to offer to the Royal Blues, but the snapshot was promising. Todibo’s defensive instincts and fighting spirit were clear to see, as he understood the importance of getting all three points from this game.

Todibo came on for McKennie, who looked uncomfortable after potentially tweaking his shoulder while battling Jordan Torunarigha, and recorded an interception. He was on the pitch for just five minutes when including stoppage time, but we’d like to see more of him at center back or in defensive midfield. It will be interesting to see how much he needs to develop as a passer.

5. Kabak is calmness

Ozan Kabak is only 19 years old, but he plays with more composure than some of the Bundesliga’s most experienced center backs. It is remarkable how well-rounded Kabak’s game already is. He can score with his head, cut out passes, win foot races with wingers, make smart tackles in the penalty box without committing fouls, boss the aerial game defensively, calmly hold the ball, and start attacks with a well-timed long ball.

On Matchday 20, the Schalke star completed 87.4% of his passes, finishing behind only Omar Mascarell with 87 total passes. He completed 10 of his 16 long balls, which looks even more impressive compared to center back partner Nastasic’s 8 of 21 mark.

Next. Schalke vs. Hertha Player Ratings. dark

Defensively, Kabak led the way with six clearances and recorded two tackles. He had some amazing “heads up” plays defensively to stifle counterattacks in their tracks and always looks for the safe option when a clearance is needed. What a wonderful player to have in the lineup!

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