National team
No one was younger: Flick brings Moukoko into the World Cup squad
Will be the youngest German World Cup participant in history: Youssoufa Moukoko. photo
© Swen Pförtner/dpa
At just 17, Moukoko is part of the World Cup squad. National coach Flick is looking forward to the “quick and lively” BVB striker, whose contract ends in the summer. His club trainer warns of the hype.
Youssoufa Moukoko was already playing in the U16 national team at the age of 12 years and 311 days, he was by far the youngest player to set one goal record after another in the junior leagues and in the Bundesliga he stands for the only 17-year-old attacker from Borussia Dortmund Eleven goals across the seasons.
No football professional was younger at this brand. Now the next record follows for Moukoko: national coach Hansi Flick nominated him for the World Cup squad – as the youngest World Cup participant in DFB history.
“Proud and Happy”
“I was at home in front of the TV at 11 a.m. and was hoping that the time would pass quickly,” Moukoko told Sky TV. “I was very excited and sweating for the last ten minutes. When I heard my name, it was incredible. I couldn’t believe it.” He was “incredibly proud and happy that I’m here”.
When nominated, Flick expressly praised the exceptional talent, who will only turn 18 on the day of the opening game on November 20th. “He has developed well, he gives a lot to a team,” said the national coach. He described the attacker as “fast, lively and good at finishing” and emphasized: “We’re looking forward to him.”
Moukoko may have benefited from the injury-related World Cup cancellations by Timo Werner (RB Leipzig) and Lukas Nmecha (VfL Wolfsburg), but the remarkable development of the young professional is not only pleased with the national coach. “Of course we’re happy, he deserves it,” said BVB coach Edin Terzic.
The striker’s performances had his club coach Terzic raving recently: “He’s extremely talented and wants to improve every day. He’s made a huge step, is always playable and uses his body much better.” At the same time, however, Terzic warned of hype: “Just as we protected him when he shot the ball next to the goal, it will continue now. He is and will remain 17.”
Haller gap closed
With six goals and four assists in 13 league games so far this season, Moukoko has closed the gap left in BVB attack by newcomer Sébastien Haller, who is suffering from cancer. He won the internal duel with the summer acquisition Anthony Modeste. Nevertheless, talks about an extension of the contract, which expires at the end of the season, are stalled.
However, the good relationship with the coach and sponsor Terzic could help the young star remain loyal to BVB. “I have Edin’s trust, I know the environment and I feel very comfortable here,” Moukoko said recently. And in his emotional Instagram post, in addition to his family, he also explicitly thanked the BVB coaching team and his teammates. The post ended with the phrase “I love you”.