Schlotterbeck is 6’3, very broad shouldered, but with effective core mobility. Just turning 22, he has shown over the last 2 seasons that when given game time he is incredibly mature both in and out of possession, averaging 2.4 tackles, 4.9 prog carries, and 4 prog passes p90. Along with this, he boasts 1.4 SCA p90, showing his importance in build up for Freiburg, partly due to his left footedness opening up more direct angles, but also due to his efficient occupation of space – he often completes carries into spaces that allow him to find line breaking passes, or to offload it to a teammate that can find line breaking passes. This is proof of his phenomenal reading of the game, displaying his ability to identify dangerous space and execute his actions based upon it, both offensive and defensive. In the tackle he is capable of both solid, stationary challenges utilising his strength, as well as long legged tackles at range. This diversity gives him multiple tools to approach opponents with, an infinitely useful trait to possess when defending wide in a back 3. His step-count is a slight worry, as he sometimes finds himself tripping over his own feet in the challenge due to making too many small steps when close to the opponent in an attempt to compensate for his previous errors in approaching the opponent without using the sweeping steps that would benefit someone of his size.
Tackling: Excellent mobility and versatility. Strong core and strong, mobile legs. Very strong shoulder presence. Good timing. Excellent micro adjustments mid-tackle. Very good use of intelligent aggression. Mascherano-esque. Step-count is inconsistent when approaching opposition. 4/5
Aerials: Very solid in the air. Good core stability and fast reflexes. Phenomenal timing. Too rigid when mid-air. 4/5
Ball Striking/Control: Elite passing versatility. Low passes are world class, high passes are very good but need work due to inconsistent loft. Very composed striking, uses the instep a lot. Carrying is fantastic. Ball trapping is fantastic. 2nd/3rd touch is unreliable. 4/5
