Erling Haaland hails Youssoufa Moukoko as the biggest talent in the world

Erling Haaland has heaped big praise on Borussia Dotmund teammate Youssoufa Moukoko after he became the youngest player to ever play in the Bundesliga.

Youssoufa Moukoko came off the bench during Borussia Dortmund’s 5-2 win over Hertha Berlin, making his senior team debut at the age of just 16 years and one day. The youngster got his first taste of professional football after netting 141 goals in 88 appearances at the youth team level. And Erling Haaland believes that his strike partner has a very bright future ahead of him.

Speaking after scoring four goals to help Borussia Dortmund beat Hertha Berlin, Haaland said that Moukoko is the biggest talent in the world at the moment.

"“I would love to play alongside him. I think he’s the biggest talent in the world right now,” Haaland said. “He’s 16 years and one day old, that’s amazing. He has a big career ahead of him. We’re lucky to have him.”"

Moukoko has been training with the Borussia Dortmund first team squad since August, but had to wait until he turned 16 to become eligible to play first team football. The highly rated striker has scored 13 goals in just four appearances for the U-19s this season and was rewarded for his excellent scoring record with a maiden first team opportunity on Saturday.

Borussia Dortmund head coach Lucien Favre also spoke about Moukoko after the game, and praised his commitment. “The debut is good for him, good for the team. He is still young and we have many options in attack. We will see. But through his efforts and commitment, he should again get a chance in the first team.”

Favre also praised Erling Haaland after his four goal haul in the second half helped the Black and Yellows earn a come from behind win over Hertha Berlin.” It’s true. I not only watch the goals, I also watch the passes,” Favre said when asked if he had lost count of Haaland’s goals. “I know he can score goals. He did a good job. He’s happy and the team is happy.”

The 5-2 win over Hertha Berlin helped Borussia Dortmund close the gap to Bayern Munich to just one point. It is still early in the season, but the Bundesliga title race is shaping up to be a very exciting one.