:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/56201459/GettyImages-827301654.0.0.jpg)
Schalke 04 manager Domenic Tedesco isn’t trying to slow down the Weston McKennie hype train. After the young American’s first competitive start for the club in a 2-0 win over fourth-division club Dynamo Berlin in the DfB-Pokal first round, the coach had nothing but nice things to say about the Texan’s performance.
McKennie played just 54 minutes in the match, but don’t be alarmed. The substitution was planned to allow Leon Goretzka to get some minutes.
"It was important for Leon to play more than the 30 minutes he had at Crystal Palace, and it would have always been like this, independent of the result.
"It underlines that Weston was not substituted because of his performance. He did a very, very good job. He won several balls, helped us to outnumber the opponent several times. He has a super pressing game, and also showed several good things when in possession. It was all very positive." — Domenic Tedesco; Source: ESPNFC
The interesting thing here is, Tedesco has no extra incentive to build-up McKennie. He didn’t find him, nor did he promote him to the first-team. He’s inherited him and still plays him and acknowledges his talent. This is a very good sign for the season to come. The 18-year-old may not be a sure starter for Schalke this season once they get to full-strength, but it appears as if he’ll have an important role to play.