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While it appears that Schalke’s trio of Weston McKennie, Haji Wright, and Nick Taitague will miss out on the upcoming Under-20 FIFA World Cup, there’s a pretty nice consolation prize on the way for two of them. The club’s first-team manager Markus Weinzierl announced in his pre-match press conference that McKennie and Wright are two of three players to get added to their roster ahead of the season finale against Ingolstadt on Saturday.
#Weinzierl: "Luke #Hemmerich, @HajiWright and @WMckennie from the U19s will all be moved into the first team squad." #s04 pic.twitter.com/XteOk3XmG1
— FC Schalke 04 (@s04_en) May 18, 2017
Most evaluators rate Weston McKennie extremely high. American Soccer Now’s Brian Sciaretta believes that he’ll be a regular for the first-team squad next season. Wright has had a very productive season, scoring 12 goals in 21 matches for the club’s U-19 side.
Don’t feel too bad for Taitague who misses out on a first-team chance. Most scouts believe he has all the tools to be a star. If Tab Ramos’ comments are to be believed, he was set to earn that World Cup call-up if not for Schalke refusing to release their players in time.
This is a huge opportunity for McKennie and Wright. With little to play for in the final match, hopefully both will get the chance to impress and maybe even earn a little clout heading into next season.