Edin Terzić wants to get the best out of Borussia Dortmund’s Youssoufa Moukoko this season

During the pre-match press conference ahead of Borussia Dortmund’s season opener against Bayer Leverkusen, head coach Edin Terzić touched upon a variety of topics, including Dortmund prodigy Youssoufa Moukoko.

Moukoko has been a topic of conversation for several months now, with the player’s contract running out next summer. Borussia Dortmund have indeed stated their intention to keep the player and push for an extension, but Moukoko has yet to put pen to paper, despite the club’s eagerness to get the deal over the line.

Moukoko’s current contract situation has left Terzić unfazed however, with the head coach very clearly stating that he intends to get the best out of the player over the course of this coming season.

"“My aim is to bring him to his maximum performance-wise. He seems to me to be very fit, very happy, very satisfied. I hope that he can now ignite and reward himself with goals.”"

There is a clear sentiment in the club that Terzić echoed during the press conference; namely that Moukoko’s development is “far from complete”. This sentiment is backed by the fact that Dortmund are indeed still in the market for a striker in the advent of the situation surrounding Sébastien Haller’s health.

The club clearly believe that Moukoko, on his own, is not ready to take responsibility for leading the line singlehandedly. That being said, this isn’t a bad thing at all. The club would be rather irresponsible to put the pressure of being the club’s main striker on a player who is still 17 years old. While Moukoko has shown that he is indeed talented, the club have always taken a stance that falls in line with making sure the player’s development and well being are prioritized, without burdening Moukoko while he develops.

Both injuries and seasonal circumstances have made this a tough road for Moukoko to walk, undoubtedly bringing to light frustrations that have made him cautious about signing a new deal. That being said, the player is inevitably due to get sufficient minutes this season, particularly because of the type of player that Dortmund plan on signing for the interim – a temporary replacement to provide both experience and support in Haller’s absence.

While we still don’t know for sure what the future may hold for Youssoufa Moukoko, it’s clear that under Edin Terzić’s guidance he is insured a safe environment where he can blossom into the player his talent has suggested that he can become. The club and player still have the possibility of creating a promising and exciting relationship that will benefit both parties in the long run when it comes to personal and collective success.