Manchester City vs Schalke: How the Bundesliga side would look if they kept their best players, including Ozil, Sane, Rakitic and Neuer

Manchester City vs Schalke: How the Bundesliga side would look if they kept their best players, including Ozil, Sane, Rakitic and Neuer
Manchester City host Schalke in the Champions League tonight for the second leg of their round of 16 tie.The Premier League side claimed a 3-2 comeback win against the Germans in their first encounter giving themselves a huge advantage.13

Leroy Sane’s brilliant free-kick was decisive in the first leg.

Schalke one of the most frugal sides in the Bundesliga and obvious underdogs against one of the richest clubs in the world.When Germany won the World Cup in 2014, there were four members of the Schalke youth academy waiting to get their hands on the prestigious gold trophy.Known as theKnappenschmiede,the Schalke youth academy is one of the finest in world football and places an emphasis on educating youth players on and off the field before making the jump into the first team.

LIVE on talkSPORT

There are 11 live commentaries remaining across the talkSPORT network this week. Find out what they are and when you can hear them, below...

• Reading vs Leeds (Tuesday) – talkSPORT 2
• Bayern Munich vs Liverpool (Wednesday) – talkSPORT
• Nottingham Forest vs Aston Villa (Wednesday) – talkSPORT 2
• Dynamo Kyiv vs Chelsea (Thursday) – talkSPORT 2
• Watford vs Crystal Palace (Saturday) – talkSPORT
• Leeds vs Sheffield United (Saturday) – talkSPORT 2
• West Ham vs Huddersfield (Saturday) – talkSPORT 2
• Swansea vs Manchester City (Saturday) – talkSPORT
• Wolves vs Manchester United (Saturday) – talkSPORT
• Millwall vs Brighton (Sunday) – talkSPORT 2
• Fulham vs Liverpool (Sunday) – talkSPORT

In fact, theKnappenschmiede have a close collaboration withBerger Feld Comprehensive, one of the DFBs elite football schools, which is close to the VELTINS-Arena.In order to see just how good the youth system at Schalke is, one needs to simply look at a starting XI of players composed of stars sold by the club in recent years. Packed with world-class talent, it makes you wonder just how far the club could have gone if they had kept their star graduates,Check out the XI by scrolling down!

Goalkeeper – Manuel Neuer

13

Appearances for Schalke – 156

After joining the club at age five, Neuer went on to captain Schalke before developing into one of the best goalkeepers in the world.Although there were rumours of a move to the Premier League, Neuer joined Bayern Munich in 2011 after helping Schalke win the DFB-Pokal trophy.A revolutionary keeper who helped pave the way for ‘sweeper-keepers’, the 32-year-old is a Champions League and World Cup winner.

Right-back – Rafinha

13

Appearances for Schalke – 153

At the 2005 FIFA World Youth Championships, Schalke spotted the Brazilian rampaging down the flanks.Despite interest from plenty of European clubs, Rafinha joined Schalke and developed into a dependable full-back.A surprise move to Genoa in 2010 followed, but he joined up with former teammate Neuer in Bavaria the following season.

Centre-back – Joel Matip

13

Appearances for Schalke – 194

The Cameroon international may not be the main defender at Liverpool these days, but he is still a polished defender.A firm fan favourite, Matip played in every minute of the 2015/16 Bundesliga campaign for the west German side.The lure of England and the chance to work with Jurgen Klopp proved irresistible and he left on a free in 2016.

Centre-back – Benedikt Howedes

13

Appearances for Schalke – 335

After joining the club as a 13-year-old, Howedes went on to make his debut for Schalke in 2007 at the age of just 19.Able to fill in at left-back, Howedes became a mainstay of the Schalke backline and he made his way into the Germany squad for their 2014 triumph in Brazil.After an unsuccessful loan spell in Juventus last season, the 30-year-old is now plying his trade with Lokomotiv Moscow.

Left-back – Sead Kolasinac

13

Appearances for Schalke – 123

Arsenal fans may be surprised to see their inconsistent left-back fit seamlessly into this side.But, make no mistake about it, the Bosnia and Herzegovina defender was a beast during his days in Germany.Able to play at the heart of defence or as a wing-back, Kolasinac was named in the Bundesliga Team of the Year in 2017 before joining the Gunners on a free.

Central midfield – Ivan Rakitic

13

Appearances for Schalke – 135

Although not technically an academy graduate, Rakitic joined Schlake from Basel as a teenager and developed into one of the most promising midfielders in Europe.Signed in 2007, the box-to-box midfielder helped the German side get into the Champions League before a move to Sevilla in January 2011.From there, Spanish giants Barcelona snapped him up and he has since gone on to fulfil his potential in Catalonia.

Central midfield – Leon Goretzka

13

Appearances for Schalke – 147

Another German star to join Bayern Munich, Goretzka rejcted the advances of some of Europe’s biggest clubs (most noticeably Barcelona) to sign for Bayern midway through last season.The 23-year-old has started life in Munich well,scoring six Bundesliga goals in 17 games so far this season.

Left winger – Max Meyer

13

Appearances for Schalke – 146

After joining Schalke in 2009, Meyer progressed through the ranks at breakneck speed and, after an impressive season with the Under-19’s, was promoted to the senior squad.Despite his early promise, his career threatened to enter a rut before a move from attacking midfield to a deep-lying role reinvigorated the youngster in the 2017-18 season.Like Ozil, a falling out with the hierarchy at Schalke prompted him to move as his contract ran out and he is now at Crystal Palace.

Right winger – Julian Draxler

13

Appearances for Schalke – 119

Perhaps one of the most talented and exciting players to graduate from the prestigiousKnappenschmiede,Draxler wowed supporters at the VELTINS-Arena with his skills.Direct, pacy and with an eye for goal, the German had the ability to play anywhere across the midfield and ex-Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger even talked about moving him into a striking role in the same way he transformed Thierry Henry.Although he made a surprising move to Wolfsburg, Draxler is now a squad member at Paris Saint-Germain behind the likes of Kylian Mbappe and Neymar.

No. 10 – Mesut Ozil

13

Appearances for Schalke – 39

After joining theKnappenschmiedein 2005, Ozil was rewarded with a senior contract just a year later.He left somewhat acrimoniously to join Wolfsburg after a falling out with the Schalke management, but announced himself to the world with a tremendous showing at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.Blessed with an incredible eye for a pass, the 30-year-old moved to Real Madrid and then to Arsenal.

Forward –Leroy Sane

13

Appearances for Schalke – 57

One of the most deadly attackers in Europe, Sane is still only 23-years-old and is already first choice for Manchester City.The winger made the move in 2016 and was one of former Bayern Munich boss Pep Guardiola’s first signings at the Etihad.13

Just imagine how good this side would have been!

---

Liverpool vs Napoli: Remembering Marca's 'This is Anfield… so what?' headline after Dries Mertens ridicules famous sign The Reds got their revenge in the sweetest way after the Spanish
Napoli's Dries Mertens Ridicules Liverpool's Famous 'This is

---

Arsenal news and transfers live: Liverpool edge closer to €80m Arsenal target, Saliba wants move Football.London 05:50 How Arsenal boss Unai Emery could trigger Chelsea transfer raid if Gunners seal one deal Daily and Sunday Express 05:45
NewsNow: West Ham Transfer News news | Breaking News 24/7

---

Arsenal vs Cardiff City: Incredible Neil Warnock statistic

---

Harry Edward Kane MBE (born 28 July 1993) is an English professional footballer who plays as a striker for Premier League club Tottenham Hotspur and captains the England national team. Born and raised in Walthamstow , Kane began his professional career at Tottenham Hotspur, where, after fast progression through the team's youth academy, he was

---

It's 21 May 2008, approaching 2 A.M. local time in a cold and wet Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow. After two gruelling hours of high intensity football in the first ever all-English UEFA Champions League final, Chelsea are one kick away from European glory.

---

Dani Alves becomes the most successful player in football history with 42nd trophy Paris Saint-Germain swept aside AS Monaco 3-1 on Sunday to thereby making Alves the most decorated
Is PSG's Dani Alves the most decorated footballer in the

---

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp said his team could not have played much better despite their 3-0 loss to a Lionel Messi-inspired Barcelona in the Champions League semifinal first leg at the Nou
Jurgen Klopp proud of Liverpool's 'best Champions League game

---

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer acknowledged Manchester United's performance may not have matched the result as the Reds overcame West Ham United 2-1 at Old Trafford on Saturday. at right wing, Andreas
Man Utd news: Solskjaer's answer to fans who want Pereira

---

West Ham United will not sell wantaway Austrian striker Marko Arnautovic without the express approval of manager Manuel Pellegrini, the Chilean has said.. Arnautovic has been linked with a move to Chinese club Shanghai SIPG, with West Ham reportedly rejecting a £35m bid from the Chinese Super League champions.
Transfer news live: Star desperate for Arsenal transfer

---

Tottenham did not make a single signing in the summer and yet they are only six points off the Premier League summit. Mauricio Pochettino and Spurs fans will undoubtedly believe a few new recruits
Premier League grades: Good news for Arsenal, Manchester

---

It was a classy gesture from a classy player - and Foden was also very much deserving of the award after becoming City's third youngest Premier League goalscorer ever. Guardiola's side are next in action on Wednesday as they take on bitter rivals Man United at Old Trafford.
Manchester City 1-0 Tottenham: Bernardo Silva hands his Man

---

We combed through the 256 games on the 2018 NFL schedule to predict what each team's record might be. this team crawled out of the AFC West cellar to finish second last year with little
Championship Table & Standings - Sky Sports Football

---

Eden Hazard: Chelsea star drops huge hint about Real Madrid transfer - 'I've made my decision' Belgian star said after the Blues' final day stalemate against Leicester that he has told the
Eden Hazard: Chelsea star drops huge hint about Real Madrid

---

Raheem Sterling paid touching tribute during England's match against Czech Republic on Friday to a Crystal Palace youth player who died from leukaemia. Damary Dawkins, 13, a member of Crystal
Raheem Sterling 'to cover costs of funeral' for Crystal

---