Youssoufa Moukoko not putting any pressure on himself ahead of Borussia Dortmund debut

Youssoufa Moukoko is ready for his Bundesliga debut for Borussia Dortmund, but he’s not putting any pressure on himself ahead of his big moment.

Youssoufa Moukoko is a very familiar name for Borussia Dortmund fans even though the 15 year old has yet to play a game for the senior squad. He is set to turn 16 on Friday, which will make him eligible to then feature in the Bundesliga and the Champions League. Dortmund fans have been watching Moukoko rack up goals for fun in the youth leagues, with the striker scoring 141 goals in 88 games for the Black and Yellows since 2014.

He had been widely expected to see some game time this year after being promoted to first team training during pre-season, which in itself is already a very impressive feat at the age of 15. On top of that he was also given a first team number, 18. Since joining first team training he has been praised by the Borussia Dortmund players and staff, and he will almost certainly be in the squad for this weekend’s game against Hertha Berlin.

While Moukoko’s debut could fast be approaching, the youngster isn’t heaping too much pressure on himself, as quoted by BVB-TV.

"“I’m not really thinking about whether it’ll happen on the 20th or the 21st. I know my debut will come at some point. I read what’s written in the media, but I’m not putting any pressure on myself. I’m just following my path. I don’t hear what the others are saying.”Moukoko added, “The first time I arrived I made a video because I’ll never experience another day like that. I could say, ‘now I’m with the first team’ and it was a whole new feeling. It was amazing – it still hasn’t really sunk in. I was so happy in training but afterwards I understood that it was what I’d worked for. I’m here now and I need to do my best.”"

That’s a very calm approach from a teenager who is surely chomping at the bit to see what the next level has in store for him. He has succeeded against every level of competition he has faced in his fledgling career. And he will no doubt be determined to continue his success as he gets ready for his first taste of senior football.