Antonio Di Salvo backs Youssoufa Moukoko to find his confidence again

Antonio Di Salvo has heaped praise on Youssoufa Moukoko and has backed him to find his confidence again with the Germany U-21s.

Youssoufa Moukoko scored two impressive goals in four minutes to fire the Germany U-21s to victory over Kosovo in the UEFA European Under-21 Championship qualifiers on Tuesday. The goals showed exactly why the 18 year old is rated so highly, even though he has had to endure a difficult 2023 so far.

Moukoko has been limited to a back-up role since Sebastien Haller’s return to the squad. And he now finds himself competing with Haller and new signing Niclas Füllkrug for a spot in the starting XI.

The highly rated striker is determined to take on the challenge, and Germany U-21s head coach Antonio Di Salvo has backed him to get his confidence back. Following his side’s 3-0 win over the Kosovo U-21s, Di Salvo was full of praise on Moukoko.

"“Youssoufa is greedy for goals and doesn’t need many chances,” Di Salvo said (via Kicker). “I’m pleased that he was able to be decisive for us again.”“He has already gained a lot of experience, not only with the U21s, but also at the very highest level with BVB, where he has also played internationally. He can get his confidence back with us and (that will help him) get going again at his club.”"

Youssoufa Moukoko has come off the bench in all four of Borussia Dortmund’s games so far this season, and has one goal to his name. He will now be eager to build on his brace against the Kosovo U-21s, and force his way into Edin Terzic’s starting XI at BVB.