Name: Max Meyer
D.O.B: 18/9/95
Position: CAM
Place of Birth: Oberhausen, Germany
Clubs: Schalke 04
When Schalke won the German U19 league title in June of 2012 for only the third time in their history, one of the youngest members of the squad was the stand out player towards the end of that season, he goes by the name of Maxililian Meyer. A 17 year old attacking midfielder he is one of Germany’s big young talents coming through the ranks at youth level and he is coming of age fast. .
He debuted for Germany at youth level in the first qualifying round of the UEFA European U17 Championships and was a key player for his country. He scored three goals in the early rounds and had his best performance against France in the semi-final scoring a brace and helping Germany U17 reach the final against Holland. They eventually lost that final on penalties but can be content in the knowledge that he finished top scorer of the competition even though he plays in midfield.
His performances at U17 level were exceptional scoring 9 goals, and providing 10 assists in only 18 matches, as a result he has been promoted to the U19 squad despite his young age for this level. His current league record for Schalke 04 U19's is 14 matches, 11 goals and 7 assits, this boy is dangerous with the ball.
He is your typical 'number ten' who prefers to operate in the middle of the field although he has played down both flanks to good effect. He has a good first touch, close control, and loves to thread through the killer pass for him teammates. His technical ability is exceptional and he is capable on both feet using space effectively in the final third of the field creating, and scoring, opportunities. He is a classic example of Germany’s ability to produce young intelligent attacking players in the last decade, hopes are high for Meyer who has already caught the eye of Europe’s biggest clubs.
He has now been pushed into the Schalke first team and has been seen training with the squad since January although he still turns out for the U19 side, a run out with the first team isn’t out of the question. Meyer will have seen how the club drafted in Julian Drexler when he was just 17 years old and should feel confident that he too will get his chance sooner rather than later.
The club are renowned for the quality of youth players they produce, defender Benedikt Howedes is another example of those who came off the club’s production line with great success. With the recent departure of Lewis Holtby to Tottenham Hotspur in January and Schalke’s willingness to give youth a chance there is a possibility for Meyer to make his debut with the senior team before the end of this season. It will be no surprise to see him perform in future at the highest level for both club and country.