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Why This Could Be The Year For Kevin Schade
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- Why This Could Be The Year For Kevin Schade
Schade is a type of player that you don't see as much as you'd like to. He's got everything you'd want in a winger. Energy, speed, explosiveness, desire, and flair, yet his time at Brentford has undoubtedly been frustrating for both him and the fans.
All the cogs are turning, but just not simultaneously. The engine is there; it just needs to all come together at the same time to see a player with undeniable potential firmly break into the conversation of top-level wingers in the league.
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Here's why this season could be the year we finally see Kevin Schade firing on all cylinders.
Strong start to the season
There is a sense of renewed desire and energy surrounding Schade this season. By no means a bad campaign last time out, but he was clearly nowhere near where he wants to be, as demonstrated by the often frustrated demeanour he showed on the pitch.
This season already feels slightly different. Keith Andrews' faith in Schade never wavers. He continues to speak incredibly highly of him, and has, so far, been rewarded this season.
Against Spurs , Schade had the most touches in the box out of any player (8) followed by a further 7 against Leeds United on the weekend. Only Josh King, Joao Pedro, and Antoine Semenyo have had more than Schade's 15 so far across both gameweeks.
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His involvement in games has increased drastically, and the rewards are coming. 8 shots so far from two Premier League games is bettered by just five players. Of these 8 shots, one produced a wonderfully executed goal against Leeds United which has rightfully been nominated for goal of the month. A delicate finish.
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These statistics indicate a strong start to the season, but the big question remains over consistency. Can he keep it up and put down a marker this season? I don't see why not.
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Continuity around him from last season
This summer has proved to be a unique experience for the club for one main reason: no major departures.
The structure around Schade remains the same. Thiago ahead, with Jensen/Damsgaard behind and Ouattara on the opposite flank. It may seem simple, but getting the most out of players requires familiarity in the system.
In an end-of-season interview with Beesotted this summer, Andrews alluded to the fact that being part of an "established front 3" in a team with a good "rhythm" in 24/25 gave Schade all the support to go on and have his best season to date in a Brentford shirt. Schade was firing. 11 Premier League goals in a breakout season.
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It's safe to say that, unlike last season, when new staff and systems were introduced, Andrews has found his best 11 this campaign and the team are really finding their groove.
Consistency breeds consistency. A stable environment has been cultivated once again at the club. Now's the time for Schade to take the season by the scruff of the neck.
Style of play and new signings
From minute one, Brentford have looked like a team with relentless energy going forwards. The opening game against Spurs was one of, if not the best, attacking performances I can remember from Brentford in the Premier League era.
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This was followed up by another devastating first 45 minutes against Leeds United on the weekend. Despite faltering in the second half, it is clear that Andrews has changed the narrative on the training ground. This is no longer a side that are willing to drop back and absorb; it is an outfit that is looking increasingly destructive and confident on the attack.
Brentford have looked to focus attacks primarily down the wings so far this season, exposing out-of-position opposition full-backs in explosive attacking moves. This has favoured Schade as he receives more of the ball, can get himself in behind, and can therefore pose a much greater threat.
Schade making his impact against Spurs / Source: Reuters
This is further seen by the signing of El Hadji Malick Diouf as an intensely attack-minded left back who will be supporting Schade this season. A focus has turned to bombarding the wing spaces, if you like, creating overloads, allowing Schade more space to be fed in behind by creative passes.
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The signing of Mamadou Sangaré will also prove to be pivotal in an upturn of form for Schade. A natural anchor, he can sweep up loose balls and break up attacking play, allowing the creative midfielder in the number 10 position the freedom of the pitch to feed hungry wingers.
In addition to this, Sangaré's strength in turning over possession in the midfield can allow for plenty more trademark quick breaks. This is just what an explosive winger like Schade will feast on. Balls behind the defensive line after quickly winning possession often leave defenders miles out of position, and attackers like Schade one-on-one with the goalkeeper. Certainly something to pay close attention to.
Nothing is guaranteed with a player of Schade's nature, but one thing that is for sure is that there is a quiet optimism about his prospects this season, and rightly so.
