Michael Zorc backs Youssoufa Moukoko for Germany U-21s call-up

Michael Zorc has backed Youssoufa Moukoko to be named in the Germany U-21s squad for the U21 European Championship, which is due to get underway later this month. Speaking at the press conference ahead of Saturday’s game against Hertha Berlin, the BVB sporting director confirmed that they have held talks in recent days with head coach Stefan Kuntz regarding a potential call-up to the Germany U-21s team for the highly rated striker.

"Zorc said: “There have been talks with Stefan Kuntz. We would very much welcome a nomination and would be delighted for Youssoufa if he were to take the step into the U21s now. He has shown in his brief appearances for BVB that he has a lot of quality. Therefore, we would definitely give him a thumbs up for participation in the U21 European Championship.”"

Youssoufa Moukoko is enjoying an impressive debut season in professional football. He made his senior debut for Borussia Dortmund just one day after his 16th birthday, becoming the youngest player to ever play in the Bundesliga.

He became the youngest ever Champions League debutant soon after, and then made more history by becoming the youngest ever goalscorer in the Bundesliga in December.

The 16 year old has been a regular in the first team squad since his debut and has made a total of 13 senior appearances for Borussia Dortmund, scoring two goals. He has previously represented Germany at the U-16s and U-20s levels.

Stefan Kuntz is set to name the Germany squad for the group stage of the U21 European Championship on Monday. The tournament will be played in two phases. The 16 qualified teams will play three group matches during this month’s international break, and the knockout ties will then be played at the end of the season.

Germany U-21s are due to face the Netherlands, Hungary and Romania in the group stage. The tournament will be held in Hungary and Slovenia and gets underway on March 24.