It was a breathtaking season in the 2nd Bundesliga, which ended last Sunday. RevierSport chooses the eleven of the season – three professionals from champions Schalke are there.
Goalkeeper – Daniel Heuer Fernandes (Hamburger SV)
Also thanks to the keeper, HSV has the best defense in the league. The former Bochum player conceded just 30 goals in his 27 appearances, kept seven clean sheets and has the best save percentage of any second-division keeper. His regular place before the season was not safe. The strengths of the 29-year-old in one-on-ones and his footballing quality helped the Hanseatic city to achieve the relegation.
Central Defender – Marco Friedl (Werder Bremen)
At the beginning of the season, the Austrian, who was willing to change at the time, drew the frustration of the fans. After promotion, Friedl is again one of the crowd’s favorites, even an extension is in the room. The reason for this is his strong performances. After a mixed start, it was impossible to imagine the Werder defense without him. The 24-year-old defended consistently and showed leadership qualities, especially when captain Ömer Toprak was absent in the final stages.
Central Defender – Patric Pfeiffer (SV Darmstadt)
The young man from Darmstadt missed three games and lost all three games. Probably no coincidence, because in his first second division season as a regular player, the 22-year-old was a big factor in the successful performance of the lilies. His qualities in duels, aerial duels and build-up play made Pfeiffer an important stabilizer in the offensive Darmstadt game – and ensure that he is the focus of larger clubs this summer.
Central Defender – Sebastian Schonlau (Hamburger SV)
The Hamburg defense chief came last summer and was immediately appointed captain. He held together the best defense in the league and was always in the starting XI, only having to watch once through suspension. Otherwise, the 27-year-old was one of the fairest defenders in the league with only two yellow cards – despite his always tough gait. On top of that, Schonlau scored four goals. Including the enormously important 2-1 on the last matchday, with which he opened the door to relegation.
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Left midfield – Thomas Ouwejan (Schalke 04)
The 25-year-old came to the Royal Blues as a nobody and quickly gained a reputation for his highly dangerous left foot. Whether from the game, from a free kick or from a corner – Schalke could rely on Ouwejan’s crosses in the offensive game that was rather unimaginative for long stretches of the season. He prepared eight goals directly and initiated a few more. In addition, Ouwejan scored three goals himself. After promotion, Schalke committed the Dutchman to a purchase obligation, Ouwejan is probably one of the few Schalke players who should also have a regular place in the Bundesliga.
Central Midfield – Ko Itakura (Schalke 04)
Schalke made a real stroke of luck with his loan. The elegant Japanese came after the start of the season and soon became indispensable. Itakura combined technique and overview with tackle and header strength. The 25-year-old shone equally in central defense and defensive midfield, where he was mostly deployed under Mike Büskens. The crowd favorite contributed four goals to the rise. It remains to be seen whether Schalke can pull out the purchase option in the mid-single-digit million range and sign Itakura.
Central Midfield – Marvin Wanitzek (Karlsruher SC)
Far away from the promotion race, but above all from the relegation battle, number ten stood out at KSC. With a strong nine goals and nine assists, the powerful technician ensured that the Karlsruhe team never really had to worry about staying up. In the first leg against Schalke, the 29-year-old led to a last-minute victory with a dream goal. And during most of his other 31 starting eleven appearances, the vice-captain showed that he is one of the best midfielders in the league.
Attacking Midfield – Daniel-Kofi Kyereh (FC St. Pauli)
No other second division professional exuded more enthusiasm than Kyereh. In addition, the native Ghanaian was extremely effective, has a strong 22 goal participation (twelve goals, ten assists). As a reward, he was allowed to represent his home country at the Africa Cup of Nations earlier this year. Unlike many teammates, the 26-year-old had a consistently good season. While St. Pauli has to stay in the lower house, the offensive man will most likely move to the Bundesliga.
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Right Midfield – Khaled Narey (Fortuna Dusseldorf)
The Düsseldorfers only got going after the change of coach in the second half of the season. Narey, on the other hand, showed strong performances throughout the season and was the best fortune. With 15 assists, the asset on the right-hand side was the best assist provider in the league, and he was successful himself eight times. Not bad for a free transfer, which according to transfermarkt.de increased its market value from 800,000 euros to two million euros over the year.
Left Forward – Simon Terodde (Schalke 04)
Known as a reliable clipper, the 34-year-old exceeded the high expectations. He shot Schalke with 30 goals as the top scorer and pulverized records at the same time – among other things, Terodde was voted the best second division shooter in history. Especially in the final sprint of the season, the veteran turned up the heat: he scored eleven, mostly important goals in the last seven games. At the moment, even an appointment of the promotion hero to the national team is being discussed.
Right Forward – Marvin Ducksch (Werder Bremen)
Together with Niclas Füllkrug (19 goals), Ducksch formed the best attacking duo in the league. Unlike his partner, the native of Dortmund not only shone as a striker in the penalty area, but also with ten assists and his strong shooting technique. In addition, there are 21 goals this season, which make the 28-year-old the second-best scorer in the league after Terodde. The striker, who only came from Hanover after the start of the season, was probably the most important professional in Bremen’s promotion.
Trainer – Ole Werner (Werder Bremen)
When the previous Kiel coach was on the sidelines for the first time on matchday 16, the troubled Bremen team was in tenth place and promotion was a long way off. But Werner made an excellent start. With him, Werder went unbeaten ten times in a row and then greeted from the top. Overall, there were only two defeats in 19 games – and thus an effect that probably every club would like to see when changing coaches.
