Youssoufa Moukoko included in Borussia Dortmund squad for trip to Hertha Berlin
By Tushar Bahl
Youssoufa Moukoko has been included in Borussia Dortmund’s traveling squad for Saturday’s game against Hertha Berlin.
Youssoufa Moukoko turned 16 on Friday, making him eligible to make his Bundesliga debut. And he celebrated his birthday by traveling to Berlin with the Borussia Dortmund squad for the game against Hertha BSC. If he is involved on Saturday, Moukoko will become the youngest player to ever play in the Bundesliga and also the youngest player to ever play for Borussia Dortmund.
Moukoko has scored 141 goals in 88 matches for the Borussia Dortmund youth teams over the last four years, and he will no doubt be aiming to add to that incredible tally as he gets ready for his senior debut.
Borussia Dortmund sporting director Michael Zorc warned against putting too much pressure on the highly rated striker during Friday’s pre-match press conference.
"“I believe it’s going a bit too far in the media at the moment,” Zorc said. “The boy only just turned 16. He’s an important part of the future at Borussia Dortmund. But it’s going too far and there is too much pressure on him. We should all take our foot off the gas and let him develop.”"
Lucien Favre praised Moukoko but refused to confirm whether he would play on Saturday. “We will see whether he will be in the squad. It’s not decided yet. But he has fantastic potential. He’s already very, very good, and it’s fun to have him in training.”
While Moukoko has traveled to Berlin, Lucien Favre will not be able to count on Thomas Delaney and Reinier Jesus for Saturday’s game. According to Ruhr Nachrichten, both players missed the trip. But it remains to be seen if they are dealing with any injuries or have just been rested following their national team commitments. Dan-Axel Zagadou (training deficit) and Marcel Schmelzer (rehab after knee surgery) are also missing from the Borussia Dortmund squad for the game against Hertha Berlin.
Next. Expected Borussia Dortmund starting XI vs Hertha Berlin. dark
The Hertha Berlin game marks the start of a busy period for Borussia Dortmund, which will see them play ten games in three competitions over a 31 day period.