Jonjoe Kenny: An unbelievable feeling

The 22-year-old delivered eight crosses for his teammates against Hertha – more than any other player on matchday 3, at least ahead of Sunday’s fixtures. Kenny was a constant threat up and down the right flank all game long, making 84 touches during the game – only Benjamin Stambouli and Omar Mascarell had more (both 87). He also completed 88 percent of his passes. „It was a good day for me,“ Kenny reflected modestly after the game, placing the team’s own performance above his own. „It was a really important win, which keeps up positive going into the international break. It gives us confidence for the coming games,“ said the right back.

The Everton loanee has only been in Gelsenkirchen a short while, but already looks to have settled in. „I felt comfortable here from day one,“ said Kenny, who believes the victory against Hertha was completely deserved. „We played very well and kept the ball moving. It was really hot in the pitch, but we created our chances. I think we’re improving from game to game.“

After two Hertha own goals from Niklas Stark and Karim Rekik, it was Kenny who had the honour of being Schalke’s first goalscorer in the league this season. And what a strike it was! Bastian Oczipka’s cross popped out to Kenny on the edge of the box and the full back hammered home a first-time strike past a helpless Rune Jarstein. „It was an incredible feeling when I scored,“ said the 22-year-old.

Head coach David Wagner revealed that his teammates told Kenny after the game that „only an Englishman“ could have scored like that. And the coach’s confidence in him hasn’t gone unnoticed. „The coach has a lot of faith in me and I just want to show on the pitch what I can do,“ said Kenny. „I want to show the people here how good I am and how I can help the team.“

Finally, a word on the Royal Blue support. “The fans are incredible, they are some of the best I’ve ever seen,“ the Liverpudlian confessed. „They spur you on to give your best.“