Schalke’s season so far has been one big up and one big down, but don’t forget the universally acclaimed breakthroughs. Here are the three big ones.
It’s been an interesting season for Schalke. Long story short, they’ve gone from title contenders to relegation form in the span of a few weeks. And the problem stems from the mass of injuries, as well as their continued inability to produce consistent goals.
But whatever ends up happening with this season, there is a ton to celebrate, if not only on an individual level. There have been breakouts—some surprising, some not so much—and there’s been so much to be excited about. Going into the summer, David Wagner’s job will be significantly easier because he can turn his attention solely to the attack. Very little work needs to be done elsewhere.
That’s because of these breakout guys, assuming that we can keep them all. Ironically, none of them are currently healthy, which is, again, part of the problem as to why the club can’t figure out how to win a game lately.
Anyway, wherever this club finishes in the table, here are the three biggest breakouts of the season. We start with No. 3.
3. Omar Mascarell
It’s been a huge year for Omar Mascarell. Following the disgrace of Alexander Nubel, Mascarell was promptly made captain, and what better captain can you possibly think of? Mascarell has everything you’d want in a captain and in a midfield anchor like he is.
Mascarell proved a lot in his time at Eintracht Frankfurt, but coming over to the Veltins, he had trouble finding that positive form. So much trouble that he barely got over 1000 minutes across all competitions.
This year, though, he’s been unstoppable. He’s been the one guy that we can count on to do his job. There’s hardly been any fluctuation in his form and all in all, he has far surpassed what he gave Frankfurt.
Perhaps we expected Mascarell to be the player he is now, but now that he’s finally reached that level, it’s well worth celebrating.
Moving on to No. 2.