Continuing our look at the European team of the season, attention turns to the second centre-back and after Joshua Kimmich filled the right-back spot and Salif Sane the first centre-back position, we remain in Germany with Bundesliga runners’ up Schalke.
Domenico Tedesco enjoyed a fine debut campaign as Schalke head coach, with the young boss guiding the club back to the Champions League. Their success was built on a solid defensive foundation that conceded the third fewest goals (38), with the vastly experienced Naldo crucial. In a favoured three-man backline, the Brazilian operated as the central centre-back and he rarely put a foot wrong.
Indeed, a WhoScored.com rating of 7.42 was one of the best in the Bundesliga this season and the best of all centre-backs in Europe’s top five leagues. At the heart of the defence, Naldo excelled having made the second most clearances (193) and won the second most aerial duels (167) in Germany’s top tier this term.
.png "European Team of the Season: CB – Naldo (Schalke 04)")
At the other end of the pitch, Naldo was hugely effective as he scored seven goals; no defender in Europe’s top five leagues scored more. It was a solid campaign we've come to expect from the 35-year-old, who was a pillar of consistency in the Schalke backline. He was one of only four outfielders to play every minute in the Bundesliga this season with the experienced centre-back a vital member of Tedesco’s XI.
As Schalke gear up for their return to Europe’s elite competition, they’ll again call upon Naldo to provide the defensive stability at the back. Tedesco is expected to utilise a three-man backline once more and in a relatively inexperienced, and at times makeshift, defence, the Brazilian will be crucial once more.
The Bundesliga outfit will be buoyed by his performances this season and it was enough to feature in the WhoScored.com European team of the campaign. His advancing years proved to be no huge issue for Schalke and they’ll hope for another similar season in what may be Naldo’s final year with the German side, with his contract up next summer.
