Schalke have a lot to think about during this pause and when the season resumes, but at least there is one big thing they won’t have to worry about any time soon.
Schalke‘s season has been one big questionable test result. They’ve gone from competing for the Bundesliga title to clinging to sixth place as they spiral out of the race for a European spot. They haven’t won a Bundesliga match since January 17th, when they convinced the world they could compete for the title by beating Borussia Monchengladbach.
In that span, they have scored two goals in six matches, surrendering fifteen. That is the type of return you’d expect from a team battling for relegation.
And yet, through all the hardship, there is one thing that Schalke absolutely do not have to worry about any time soon. Not this year, not next year, and probably not the year after that either, depending on how contracts turn out.
That’s the defense. Despite two implosions, one against Bayern Munich and one against RB Leipzig, Schalke’s defense is in such a good state that I honestly wouldn’t change anything.
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
Bear in mind that they lost Salif Sane and Benjamin Stambouli for the season. These two were anchors that could stand up to just about any attack out there and while Ozan Kabak has stepped in and done marvelously, he was there at the time of the double spankings. Though I don’t hold him personally accountable, these two instances will be learning experiences.
Kabak has been a sensation, but now he’s injured too, which has left Matija Nastasic, who has also been quite good, paired with Jean-Clair Todibo, who is in the same position Kabak was in before Kabak sounded his presence to the entire footballing world.
That’s five quality defenders, two who are young with years to grow, two in their prime, one that may potentially leave this summer if his contract is not extended. It’s the perfect situation for any club to be in.
So while Schalke can’t seem to figure out how to score goals consistently, which has been a problem for years, their defense is completely solid and not worth an ounce of concern.
Mainly because these injuries are a fluke. Sane and Kabak will anchor this defender as soon as they are able; Nastasic and Todibo (assuming we sign him) are excellent alternatives that could also be starting. This is a defense to be proud of.