I watched Leverkusen v Schalke today to have another look at some of the best young players Klopp might want to sign. Between them these two teams have an incredible amount of awesome young players!
Before I start commenting on individual players, I just want to say that I found Schmidt's tactics interesting, as he pushes both fullbacks really high in the buildup, and then has Kampl or another midfielder drop into the low wide areas to get involved on the ball. Leverkusen dominated the first half possession wise and their press was very effective too. Schalke only had a short spell in attack. In the second half Schalke counter attacked with more purpose. In the end 1-1 was a fair result even if Leverkusens late equaliser was lucky.
Schalke
Matip - Howedes usually gets a lot of media attention, but Matip was Schalke's rock at the back. Imposing an measured performance.
Hojberg - A bit of a bland opening, but he got into the game more and more and more. Excellent second half, seemingly everywhere on the pitch.
Goretzka - Not particularly impressed by him today. He did ok, nothing special. Tough against Leverkusens press though.
Max Meyer - Awesome game. He's really good at getting out of tight spaces, and surprisingly for such a young player made a lot of good decisions. Very bright future.
Leroy Sané - Struggled to impact the game entirely in the first half as Schalke played mostly on the left where Chopou Moting impressed. He was a bit better in the second half, but he seemed to have one of those poor performances Sterling typically had early on for us. Clearly has bags of pace and plenty of skill though, but still very raw.
Leverkusen
Bernd Leno - I really like what I saw this game from him. He's really quick of his line, vocal, confident, and can kick well with both feet. He made a couple of solid saves but may have done better on the goal even if it was a face-to-face shot (ie. Could have made himself bigger). He can also improve his aerial prowess, but he certainly isn't shy to come off his line and seems to want I take initiative as often as possible instead of being reactive. Looks like an excellent goalkeeper in the making.
Bellarabi - was at the center of most good things Leverkusen created.
Kampl - a fun player to watch, always trying to make things happen.
Kramer - solid and quietly effective game. Worse in the second half though.
Brandt - Lively player who should develop nicely for Leverkusen. Things didn't really come off for him but he looks like he has a lot of talent. He'll probably be rivalling Meyer for a place in the Germany squad in a couple of years.
