Schalke: 3 things to fix before the 2020-2021 season

1. Trust the young stars

Ahmed Kutucu and Rabbi Matondo are two of the most talented young players in the Bundesliga, and they showed signs of future stardom in 2019-2020. Kutucu was particularly impressive, quietly scoring three goals in 349 minutes despite never making an appearance as a starter in a league game.

The 20-year-old’s scoring rate – he led the team with 1.03 goals and assists per 90 minutes – shows that he can already be a difference-maker in the lineup for the Royal Blues. However, Wagner and the club must trust him more, because it is baffling that such a prolific player in terms of goal-scoring and dribbling ability received only 349 minutes. There is an understandable desire not to put too much pressure on young players, but Kutucu is already an asset.

As for Matondo, his hard work at the wide forward positions hasn’t gone unnoticed, and he’s also been a threat in a more central role. He seems to work better up front with Benito Raman than other players, such as loan signing Michael Gregoritsch. Matondo is here for the long haul, and his goal against RB Leipzig in September provided a glimpse of what could be on the horizon for the 19-year-old Wales international.