The hottest competitions at Schalke 04

At Schalke, not all players were recently satisfied that they were no longer part of Frank Kramer’s first guard. Dissatisfaction could be heard here and there, especially among leaders who have to live their roles on the bench and off the pitch far more than they do on the field.

Not a particularly unusual development. After all, it would probably be more worrying if many a professional would like to make themselves comfortable on the substitutes’ bench.

And yet it turns out that the competition that has already arisen in many positions is getting bigger and more serious. In fact, there are many a duel in royal blue in which at least one other regular player will lose out.

Competition at Schalke: These are the hottest and most exciting duels

1. The left side: Ouwejan vs. Mohr

While he was still one of the most important players in the previous season, Thomas Ouwejan has lost his offensive threat by switching to the back four. The more defensive role, because he usually has a winger in front of him, in combination with Kramer’s style of play, put him under some pressure.

With newcomer Tobias Mohr he duels for supremacy on the left side. Actually more of a winger, Mohr has recently been able to convince as a left-back. As important as Ouwejan can be, he will probably no longer be automatically set for the time being.

Since there are currently other players in midfield, only one of the two will be in the starting XI on a regular basis in the short to medium term. So much can be said: Mohr has better cards in this duel than he was capable of a few weeks ago.

2. In central midfield: Drexler vs. Zalazar

If it were up to the fans, the vote would be quite clear: Rodrigo Zalazar would then be much more likely to start than Dominick Drexler. However, the roles are currently reversed under Kramer.

Recently it became clear that the coach envisages the same role for the two. So they will only play together in a few cases. Instead, fierce competition is the order of the day.

Drexler is clear with the better starting position. He’s been able to win the coaching favor in recent weeks, while internally Zalazar is accused of not having the necessary stamina.

The 23-year-old will probably be used as a substitute for the time being. Meanwhile, his teammate should continue to be part of the first eleven. But one thing is clear: Both will give nothing and fight for their playing times.

3. The Six Duel: Kral vs. Flick

The change has after the 1: 6 swatter against Union Berlin taken place: Up to and including this home game, Alex Kral had the authority to interpret the blue-white six. Since then he has not been in the starting XI. The beneficiary: Florian Flick. He was allowed to play the other three games from the start.

Now it’s up to the latter to maintain their current advantage. For the Czech newcomer, it is about offering himself in training in such a way that Kramer thinks an adjustment is conceivable again. Should the opportunity arise, Kral will do everything to avoid having to rotate to the bench again.

Since Flick has shown good performances in his last appearances and there is hardly any need for a change, this duel will probably drag on for a while.

Noteworthy: Danny Latza hardly manages to get involved in the six-man duel, at least in public perception.

4. The central defense: Greiml vs. van den Berg

Due to Malick Thiaw’s move, Sepp van den Berg was thrown into the starting XI a short time after his arrival in Gelsenkirchen.

While he seemed a bit nervous and insecure when he first appeared, he has since stabilized. If you look at the statistics, he has already achieved an impressive average number of interceptions. With 7.83 per 90 minutes he is even at the top of the league. Due to the small number of missions, this average is not really meaningful.

Central defender colleague Maya Yoshida will most likely be seeded. Since Kramer is just as likely to stay with the back four, van den Berg has to assert himself against Leo Greiml in a timely manner.

The Austrian is already putting pressure on. In last week’s friendly, his first S04 game from the start (due to his long-term injury), he was already convincing.

It can already be assumed that the two youngsters will get in each other’s way. But: If van den Berg continues to convince, while Greiml can recommend himself further, Yoshida will have to improve again, otherwise he will lose a duel in which he is not actually taking part.

5. The unequal duel: Terodde vs. Polter

It’s been a very unfair duel so far. But because Kramer continues to rely on Sebastian Polter and almost wants to force him to experience success, it’s a duel. One where Simon Terodde has a clear advantage.

He hasn’t been able to score as well as he would like. But he is significantly better and more important for the S04 game than the most expensive summer newcomer. Polter hangs in the air too often and can only rarely act as a reference station.

As long as he’s fit and ready, Terodde will continue to be the number one striker.

6. Honorable Mentions: Aydin, Latza & Mollet

When it comes to the Schalke competition, Danny Latza, Mehmet Aydin and Florent Mollet should also be mentioned.

The three have one fate in common: They hoped for significantly more playing time than they have gotten so far – and they have not yet been able to intervene in the biggest duels in their respective roles.

Kral and Flick are standing in front of Latza. Brunner and Matriciani stand in front of Aydin. In front of Mollet are Drexler and Zalazar. And yet they are not as far from a good chance as one might think.

The best example of this was last Sunday’s friendly. While Aydin was on the road for the German U20, the two teammates were allowed to show themselves. Mollet in particular was able to advertise himself – the captain not so much.

After the international break, i.e. during these training days, they could get a step closer to the competition.

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This article was originally published on 90min.com/de as The hottest competitions at Schalke 04 released.

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