Derry John Murkin had only just been introduced at FC Schalke 04 when the Dutchman was already the centre of attention.

Derry John Murkin had barely arrived in Germany before coach Thomas Reis threw him in at the deep end. In the 1-1 draw in Wiesbaden, the Dutchman, who had been signed from FC Volendam only two days earlier, came on at half-time for Sochiro Kozuki.

Originally signed as a left-back, the 24-year-old had to play as an attacking left-winger – also because Thomas Reis had doubts about using him in the defence. “It’s clear that Derry doesn’t yet have all the tactical procedures down pat.” But Murkin also showed his mettle up front and delivered his first assist.

However, the man born in England could not be completely satisfied with his debut. Before the 1:1 he let himself be duped on the wing. “I am very self-critical,” he said, admitting that his defensive play needed improvement and emphasising: “It was my mistake, I should have defended better. Something like that must not happen to me again.”

Read what Gerald Asamoah thinks about the scene, why the more offensive role is not a problem for the newcomer and what Murkin thinks about the competition with his compatriot Thomas Ouwejan at the WAZ: “Klick “