Borussia Dortmund teammates praise record-breaking Youssoufa Moukoko

Youssoufa Moukoko became the youngest player to ever score in the Bundesliga on Friday, and he received plenty of praise from his teammates and head coach after the game.

Borussia Dortmund suffered a disappointing 2-1 defeat to Union Berlin on Friday. But one of the very few positives from the game was that Youssoufa Moukoko found the back of the net for the first time in his senior career. The 16 year old looked lively all game and then scored his first professional goal with a sublime finish past the Union Berlin goalkeeper to bring the Black and Yellows level at the hour mark.

The goal helped Moukoko become the youngest play to ever score in the history of the German Bundesliga. And while Marvin Friedrich headed home the winner a few minutes later to hand Borussia Dortmund their fifth league defeat of the season, Mats Hummels and Axel Witsel both praised Moukoko after the game.

Hummels said that Moukoko’s performance against Union Berlin was the best of his fledgling professional career so far.

"“I think he did a lot of good things, it was clearly his best game so far,” Hummels said. “It’s almost reassuring that he needs a bit of a warm-up period and doesn’t completely outplay every Bundesliga defender at just 16. He’s a really talented kid, he’s stepping on the gas. We’re happy he scored. But we lost so it doesn’t help us much”"

While Witsel said that Moukoko will be an important player for Borussia Dortmund’s future. “Of course, I am happy for him for his first goal. I’m sure he’s going to be brilliant for the team and for the future of the club.”

Borussia Dortmund head coach Edin Terzic was also very pleased with Moukoko’s performance.

"“Youssoufa played a really good game,” Terzic said. “The goal that he scored. He had one or two good opportunities where he didn’t get the ball in the first half, then he had a good clear chance and even scored. He had about four chances and so we are very happy with his performance.”"

Union Berlin captain Christopher Trimmel also lauded Moukoko’s special achievement after the game. “We have to congratulate the young 16-year-old on his first goal, that is something very special.”

Moukoko made his professional debut for Borussia Dortmund just one day after his 16th birthday, becoming the youngest player to ever play in the Bundesliga. He has since made seven appearances for the senior team, and has started the last two games.