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Writer's pictureEwan Worboys

Kevin Schade is back on the pitch!

Brentford's number nine has returned to action at Jersey Road scoring in a 3-1 in house victory over Leyton Orient. Schade put together a competent display for the Brentford B team and was able to covert calmly from the penalty spot to contribute to the sides friendly win. Schade was able to complete 60 minutes on the pitch before being rested, which for Bees fans and Thomas Frank is a good indication he will be fit enough for first team action soon.


Schade began the season as an incredibly important asset to the team. In Ivan Toney's absence both Schade and fellow forward Bryan Mbeumo were key to keeping Brentford's attack exciting and threatening. Schade's explosiveness and direct play had defenders backtracking in fear, the winger/striker always fancied himself one verses one and this allowed Brentford to maintain fluency in the final third. His statistics before suffering injury don't justify enough how influential of a player he was because the danger he possessed was frightening.



In his five appearances this season, Schade only registered one goal before suffering an adductor injury in a home game verses Bournemouth. It was an unfortunate period in time for the Bees who despite having a ridiculous number of draws were in decent in form. Schade had to undergo surgery and was quoted to be out for months. This was unwanted news considering the injury sustained by Rico Henry to his ACL against Newcastle the game before.


Brentford found themselves in an injury crisis and the deterioration in results was proof players such as Schade and Henry were big misses. Schade may have not had goal contributions to his name however his strike in the 1-1 draw to Crystal Palace was some statement. Picking up the ball out wide Schade drove at the Palace defenders. He weaved his way in an out of two players before smashing into the top right corner.



This goal is a representation of what Brentford have been missing all campaign. Schade was operating in wider areas which meant Brentford could stretch teams when in possession. Factor in the comeback of Ivan Toney, bringing Schade back would allow the likes of Toney or Wissa to drop into pockets in front of the opposition backline. If Schade came back to play on on those touchlines again, naturally the opposition will have to shift across to close off his space on the ball and in doing so this will provide more time for midfielders and forwards to lose their markers and locate vacant gaps.


Frank likes his forwards to drop in and be playmakers. With Schade the rotations between the forward line will give defences more problems because Toney, Mbeumo or Wissa can drop deeper whilst he runs beyond. A big feature of Schade's game is his pace and that bit of energy to earn an extra yard could produce a lot of goals for Brentford. Schade provides so many positive aspects to Brentford, his will to take players on and get to the bar line or use a skill to go inside offers the side a spark and a chance to use a different approach to play.



Schade will likely be eased back into games so it's unpredictable to when he will be seen in first team action again. Thomas Frank may give some updates soon and even if Schade isn't to feature for another few weeks, there's a lot of promise for the Bees in the remaining game weeks. Schade's recovery is a boost they need to add some more depth back to the team. Brentford aren't safe from relegation yet but it's difficult to see them being under any pressure especially when Frank will soon have the opportunity to implement more quality into his team with players such as Schade.




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