Schalke: Grading each position group in 2019-2020 so far
Forward
Once again, Schalke had major issues with their forward play in 2019-2020, though they did improve from their embarrassing incompetence in 2018-2019. Guido Burgstaller returned to the starting lineup near the end of the season in a 4-5-1, but the Royal Blues were at their best when Benito Raman was in his element at the top of the attack.
Raman cooled off after being a big factor near the end of the Hinrunde, so he only ended up with four goals in 17 appearances. While Raman has great pace and scored a couple of rockets, he simply isn’t clinical enough to be a main striker.
The Royal Blues’ best scorers were midfielders Serdar and Harit, with Ozan Kabak and Salif Sane combining for five goals out of defense. Ahmed Kutucu scored three times in 349 minutes, and the fans cannot understand why even David Wagner won’t play the ultra-talented 19-year-old more often. He is easily the Royal Blues’ most talented forward.
Mark Uth was loaned out at the winter and thrived as a No. 10 for Köln, whereas Michael Gregoritsch struggled mightily after a dream debut against Borussia Mönchengladbach as a loan signing from Augsburg. His lack of consistency means he’s clearly not the answer.
dark. Next. There's a positive to staying put in the transfer window
Rabbi Matondo has potential, Kutucu could be great if given a real chance, and Raman is a positive piece. There’s talent, specifically young talent, here. But it’s hard to give Schalke high marks here because of the lack of production.
Grade: D