Nuri Sahin: Youssoufa Moukoko ready to make senior Borussia Dortmund debut

Former Borussia Dortmund midfielder Nuri Sahin believes that Youssoufa Moukoko is ready to take the next step after his success for the U-19s.

Nuri Sahin is currently the youngest player to ever play in the Bundesliga, having made his senior debut for Borussia Dortmund at the age of 16 years, 10 months and 18 days in 2005. But his record is now set to be broken with Youssoufa Moukoko closing in on his senior debut. Moukoko turns 16 on November 20, 2020, and he could be in line for his professional debut when the Black and Yellows take on Hertha Berlin just one day later.

And Sahin is looking forward to watching Moukoko play for the senior team, even though it means his record will be broken. Speaking to Kicker as part of the magazine’s five page report on the striker in their Monday edition, Sahin said:

"“It makes me happy that it’s one of our players. When the new rule came out, I quickly realized that my record would soon be broken. Youssoufa must now take the next step – the U-19s is too easy for him.”"

Sahin also said that it is important Moukoko has support from the club around him for when he experiences “rainy days” during his career. “So far, only the sun has shined for him, he has not had rainy days. But these rainy days will come. It is important to have people around you who will support you and make you aware that negative headlines are part of it.”

Kicker also have quotes from Borussia Dortmund U-19s coach Mike Tullberg, who spoke about Moukoko’s professionalism and determination to become a footballer. “Youssoufa works towards his goal every day,” Tullberg said. “He does everything possible to improve. He knows where he wants to go.

While Borussia Dortmund youth coordinator Lars Ricken told Welt am Sonntag that Moukoko deserves his chance in the first team after putting in the hard work at the youth level.

"“I hope he can fulfil his dream because he deserves it. He’s a great and very sociable guy who has worked hard to get to where he is.”“There’s no youth player who has had as many minutes of play and training as he has in recent years. This is an indicator that he is able to cope with the stresses of professional football.’"

Moukoko was just four years old when he made the decision to become a footballer while watching the 2009 Champions League semi-final between Barcelona and Chelsea. Fast forward to just eleven years later, and he is closing in on his first professional game for Borussia Dortmund.