Schalke: Amine Harit is at his best when he’s allowed mistakes

FC Schalke 04 have one of the most talented players in the entire league in Amine Harit, but the club needs to remember that allowing him to fail is the key to getting the most out of Harit.

Amine Harit led FC Schalke 04 with 10 goal contributions in 24 appearances across the 2019-2020 Bundesliga season, performing at the highest level in the Hinrunde. His electrifying dribbling, energetic pressing, desire to always push forward, and clutch goals were a big reason for Die Knappen’s status as surprise title contenders at the midway point in the season.

However, Harit’s performances slipped as the rest of the team’s did in the Rückrunde. Injuries to Suat Serdar and a downturn a form for Benito Raman, which Michael Gregoritsch was not able to offset, meant more pressure on Harit. And while Harit made plenty of key passes and successful take-ons, he also lost the ball more than David Wagner would have liked.

Because of the injuries to Serdar and Omar Mascarell in midfield, Wagner was forced to turn to an ultra-defensive 5-4-1, sacrificing Harit due to the lack of a center attacking midfielder in the new setup. Instead, Wagner used Guido Burgstaller as a target man, and most of the team’s opportunities were created by Weston McKennie as a box-to-box midfielder with Serdar out.

Harit’s move to the bench will not be permanent, and the differences between his Hinrunde and Rückrunde are a reminder that the 22-year-old is still a growing player. He’s Schalke’s most promising attacking player and should own the Bundesliga for years to come, which is why the Royal Blues signed him to an extension at midseason.

But Harit is also under 23 and still refining his game. The consistency is constantly developing, as is Harit’s approach to the game. Harit is a leader who takes it upon himself to make things happen, and it’s honestly true that without him, Schalke wouldn’t have had a creative influence or attacking impetus in the final third.

On the other side of the coin, Harit is learning that sometimes doing too much can be detrimental and that a level of trust in others is required. Schalke’s pieces in the attack are, likewise, developing, with Ahmed Kutucu and Rabbi Matondo having high potential but still not fully polished as forwards.

Management must keep in mind Harit’s amazing tools, rapidly-improving decision-making, and developing game experience. Harit is the kind of player who thrives on trust and learning from mistakes. He needs room to keep making mistakes on the pitch.

Schalke, under Wagner, have been excellent at giving young players room to grow and not dwelling on minor mistakes. As long as players work hard and are positive, they have room for giveaways; it’s important that they are trying new things and searching for results.

There’s no doubt that Harit is always on the prowl for the next goal-scoring opportunity. Give him time and grace when things don’t come off, knowing that each mistake is a learning experience and an opportunity for growth for one of the league’s future superstars.