Norwich Player Ratings: FC Schalke (Pre-season)
- •
- 1,809 reads
- •
- 13,562 views
- •
- 4 min read
Norwich City clinched their first win of pre-season as they defeated FC Schalke 2-1 on Friday evening.
The Canaries were hoping to build on their 2-2 draw against Arminia Bielefeld last weekend and duly delivered, outdoing David Wagner’s side in Lotte.
Daniel Farke made a number of changes to last Sunday’s starting line-up and will be happy with what he saw from his team as they beat a well-established Bundesliga outfit.
Norwich took the lead after just 13 minutes courtesy of a goal from Teemu Pukki, who, on his return to Schalke, latched onto a well-timed pass from Patrick Roberts to score.
Just four minutes after half-time, the German club found themselves on level terms. Michael McGovern could not deal with an initial effort and palmed the ball only as far as former Manchester City youngster Rabbi Matondo, who tapped home at the back post.
However, Norwich would have the final say in the match as Moritz Leitner’s deflected effort helped the Canaries to a surprise 2-1 win over their Bundesliga counterparts.
Here are our player ratings.
Advertisement
Tim Krul - 6
Krul was reasonably solid. His handling did not convince, but he was reliable enough.
Max Aarons - 7
Fresh from signing a five-year contract, Aarons was composed as ever. He was good at both ends of the pitch.
Grant Hanley - 5
Hanley found himself out of position a little too often. He was also rash with some of his challenges.
Ben Godfrey - 7
Godfrey made a quicker return than expected following his injury last weekend. He was solid at the back.
Jamal Lewis - 6
Lewis played with typical energy and effervescence. He was, however, sometimes beaten a little too easily.
Tom Trybull - 7
Trybull turned in a tenacious performance. He was good in the midfield battle and played a part in Norwich’s second goal.
Moritz Leitner - 8
Leitner was very impressive. His goal came in somewhat fortuitous circumstances, but he dictated play in the middle throughout.
Patrick Roberts - 8
Roberts got himself a brilliant assist for Pukki’s goal. He was a constant thorn in Schalke’s side, getting forward and posing a threat.
Marco Stiepermann - 4
Stiepermann worked hard but had an evening to forget. He was rather sloppy in possession and missed two good chances to score.
Todd Cantwell - 5
Cantwell was energetic but ineffective. He was dispossessed too easily at times and also spurned a presentable opportunity.
Teemu Pukki - 8
Pukki’s movement was superb throughout. He took his goal well and was always a threat to his former side.
Substitutes
Michael McGovern – 5: Should have done better with the Schalke goal but gradually grew more comfortable.
Sam Byram – 6: Came on and continued to settle in well at his new club, displaying an eagerness to get forward on the right.
Dennis Srbeny – 6: Worked hard and attempted to involve himself in the game, making intelligent runs.
Adam Idah – 6: The young forward continues to look sharp with his movement off the ball.
Philip Heise – 6: Heise seemed comfortable upon his introduction, and always made himself an option.
Onel Hernandez – 5: The winger posed a threat following his arrival on the scene but missed a gilt-edged chance.
Here's more you might like
Norwich interested in Lyle Taylor deal
Hasenhuttl praises ‘fantastic’ Saints counter-pressing
Arsenal morning news round-up – 10th December 2019
West Ham morning news round-up – 10th December 2019
Arsenal scout Carlisle United defender Jarrad Branthwaite
