Kevin Schade

Key strength: Pace and dribbling

Wide creator

As Brentford FC defy expectations sitting 8th in the Premier League with European ambitions flickering, Kevin Schade has emerged as Thomas Frank's most electrifying attacking weapon. The 24-year-old German winger has been virtually ever-present this season, racking up 28 appearances and over 2,200 minutes as the Bees' primary threat down the left flank. Schade's return of 6 goals and 3 assists tells only part of the story. The former Freiburg flyer has mastered the inside-forward role—terrorizing fullbacks with his blistering pace and deft dribbling before cutting inside onto his stronger right foot to unleash vicious strikes from the edge of the box. His telepathic understanding with creative partner Mikkel Damsgaard has become Brentford's most dangerous attacking avenue, even as the Bees navigate a mixed run of results (DDLWL). Despite a red card blotting his disciplinary record alongside two yellows, the Germany international has maintained his influence in a squad punching above its weight. Valued at €35 million, Schade embodies the shrewd recruitment that transformed Brentford from Championship underdogs into established top-flight contenders—and his evolution into one of the division's most dangerous wide men could yet propel the Bees toward a historic European finish.