How Borussia Dortmund are planning with youth star Youssoufa Moukoko
Borussia Dortmund mega talent Youssoufa Moukoko is set to join up with the first team and potentially make his debut when he turns 16 in November.
Youssoufa Moukoko is one of the brightest talents in all of football and he is currently in the Borussia Dortmund on the verge of starting to train with the first team squad. Moukoko has been tearing apart youth leagues ever since 2017 when he joined the Dortmund youth system. According to Transfermarkt his stats in the years that followed are below.
2017/2018 – 37 goals and 6 assists in 25 games as a 13 year old playing U17
2018/2019 – 46 goals and 8 assists in 25 games as a 14 year old playing U17
2019/2020 – 34 goals and 9 assists in 20 games as a 15 year old playing U19
His goal totals are off of the charts and with the DFL changing the minimum age to play in the Bundesliga to 16, Moukoko will be joining the Dortmund first team in preparation for when he turns 16 in November. While Moukoko can’t play in the Bundesliga until November, he will start training with the first team right away. He will be reporting to training camp in August to get settled in with the first team and will go from there.
Michael Zorc believes Moukoko is ready to train with the first team, but does not want to out too much pressure on him just yet.
"“Youssoufa is completely there with us, he belongs to the squad and should be introduced to professional football. He is an outstanding talent, but still very young. Hence the request and the appeal to take age into account.”"
That’s quite the endorsement from the man who makes the sporting decisions. Zorc also confirmed that Moukoko will be training permanently with the first team from here on out, but will still be playing games with the U19’s so he can get match practice. While he could get the chance to play in the Bundesliga after he turns 16 it will be important he continues to play consistently for his development, which is where the U19 games come into play.
"“He is an outstanding talent, but is still very young. He should stay with us, but it is planned that he plays in the U19s. It is important that he continues to get game practice”"
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Borussia Dortmund have also included Moukoko in the list of first team players in the club shop, and he has been given the number 18 for his jersey, previously worn by club legends Lars Ricken and Nuri Sahin.