FW Benito Raman
Schalke paid 6.5 million euros to Fortuna Düsseldorf for one of their best players, and Benito Raman ended up playing a crucial role in the Royal Blues’ success. He had a patch of form from Nov. 9 to Dec. 15 when he had at least one goal contribution per game, totaling four goals and two assists in that time frame.
But Raman never scored after that December matchup with Eintracht Frankfurt, finishing the season with four goals and three assists. He was a total non-factor in the Rückrunde after assisting for Michael Gregoritsch against Borussia Mönchengladbach.
A hard-worker with plenty of pace, Raman’s lack of technical quality will prevent him from being a true star for Schalke. But he is a useful player, especially when he’s able to link up with Amine Harit in a central role. More importantly, without Raman, Die Knappen’s attack would have been a dumpster fire. The fee itself for a 24-year-old was quite low, too.
Grade: B+
CB Ozan Kabak
Finally, let’s gush about Ozan Kabak some more. Before his injury in the second half of the season, Kabak was right there with Dayot Upamecano in the conversation as the Bundesliga’s absolute best center back.
Kabak cost Schalke 15 million euros from the relegated VfB Stuttgart, as the Royal Blues won his signature over stiff competition from the likes of AC Milan and Arsenal. And they should be ecstatic they were able to get him, since Kabak was a downright bargain at that price. Now, he shouldn’t be sold for anything less than 50 million euros.
A goal-scoring threat who can create chances with his deep passing, Kabak reads the game like a seasoned veteran and can hang with even pacy wingers defensively. Kabak is already a major star for Schalke, as he has joined Harit and Serdar as cornerstones of the club.
Grade: A+