Eintracht Frankfurt vs Borussia Dortmund: Key Takeaways

Youssoufa Moukoko needs to play more, starting now:

I’m not really one for reactionary takes, nor do I usually think that one goal is enough to warrant additional starts for a player, but Youssoufa Moukoko’s performance does not fall under this category. For months now, many have been bwildered as to why we haven’t seen more of the young German international, and this performance makes it even more surprising.

The commonly accepted excuse is that Moukoko doesn’t fit the mold of player Dortmund Head coach Edin Terzić wants to play with, noting his lack of physicality as the main stumbling block. His performances both while on international duty, coupled with his quick-fire goal once coming on as a sub against Frankfurt are reasons enough for Dortmund’s head coach to reconsider his stance regarding the young striker.

Moukoko certainly did his part throughout the game, taking the chance Terzić gave him by the scruff of the neck and not only scoring but also pressing Frankfurt hard, and giving them something to think about when Dortmund came forward. Terzić seemed to switch to a back three in the second half, with Ramy Bensebaini, Nico Schlotterbeck and Mats Hummels composing this three man defensive line, and Maruis Wolf moving further up the pitch. This sort of setup for certain games could give Terzić the flexibility to give Moukoko more minutes on the pitch in a partnership with Niclas Füllkrug up top. It would certainly be something to explore, considering Moukoko’s instant impact on the match.