“I could play for Nigeria” – Meet Kevin Schade, Freiburg’s flying winger eligible for Super Eagles

The Bundesliga is one of the foremost leagues in the world and if the 20-year-old keeps working hard, the league may soon become his to conquer

Freiburg winger, Kevin Schade was born in Potsdam, Germany to a Nigerian father and a German mother and has lived in Germany all his life.

He began his professional football career with Energie Cottbus which he had joined as a thirteen-year-old boy.

He joined Freiburg at 17 and began with the second team which gained promotion to the third division for the first time when he starred at the club. His stock soon rose and was seen by the team’s handlers as a player that can make things happen.

Schade is fast, and has a keen eye for goal. His strong heading ability and willingness to get the final ball through incisive runs have stood him out as one of the best youngsters in the German league.

Already a German U-21 international, he featured 20 times for Freiburg last season as they pushed for a place in Europe, scoring four goals and assisting once. He played a total of 813 minutes in the league last season.

Schade can play in a variety of positions including as a defensive midfielder, central midfielder, central attacking midfielder, winger and attacker. He’s dubbed one of the Bundesliga’s hottest properties.

After making his debut with the England U-21s last year, Schade spoke about his Nigerian heritage.

“I could play for Nigeria, but I don't really feel drawn there,” Schade said, “I was born and raised in Germany. Hence, I play for Germany.”

Schade, with the quality of his football and skillset will in a short time be invited by senior German handlers if he remains consistent.

The winger is currently wanted by Brentford in the Premier League and has been linked in the past to Liverpool, in what’s testament to his quality.