Borussia Dortmund’s Youssoufa Moukoko is one of the most talked-about young players in Europe.
The striker once told reporters: “It is my goal to become a professional player in Dortmund, capture the Champions League with Borussia, and win the Ballon d’Or.”
That was back when the striker was just 13 years old when joining Dortmund. Fast forward to 2020 and those predictions look very realistic.
"I want to help the team, that's why I'm here." 🗣
Get to know our newest #18, Youssoufa Moukoko! 👋 pic.twitter.com/4iXtj9EIOR
— Borussia Dortmund (@BlackYellow) November 17, 2020
He started to train with the BVB first team back in January of this year, but Bundesliga rules prevented him from any game time. However, Dortmund included Moukoko in their squad for the 2020/21 season knowing he could not play until his 16th birthday.
Well that day is today and the striker is tipped to be on the bench for tomorrow’s game vs Hertha Berlin. He also has a long-term sponsorship deal with Nike that he signed last year, in the hope he lives up to his potential.
It is his incredible goal-scoring record whilst at the German club that has grabbed a lot of fan’s attention. Impressively, he has scored 141 goals in just 88 youth games, giving him an average of 1.6 goals a game. That record has led him to signing a long-term with Nike in the hope that he reaches his potential.
His talent in front of goal led manager Lucien Favre to say: “You don’t know which foot he uses to play. He is a left-footer and a right-footer. He is very efficient.”
So at just 16-years old and in the first team plans already, and with a lucrative Nike deal, the career of Youssoufa Moukoko is one to keep your eyes on.
So why should Klopp sign him?
If there is anything Klopp demands from his players and in particular his front three its versatility. Looking at the current front three of Liverpool, their ability to pop up in different positions on the pitch is vital to Liverpool’s success.
Summer signing Diogo Jota has been the biggest example of the versatility needed in a Jurgen Klopp side. Since his arrival, he has played as a left-winger and a striker, impressing in both positions.Â
That is something that Youssoufa Moukoko can offer Jurgen Klopp. During his time so far in Dortmund’s youth set up, Moukoko has played in every attacking position on the pitch.
The main selling point to Jurgen Klopp is Moukoko’s age, his whole career is still ahead of him. In five years, he will have just turned 21 years old, with Salah (28), Mane (28) and Firmino (29) heading towards the end of their careers. That is, however, all dependent on those three players being at the club in 2025.
Getting a player with so much potential and so young means Klopp can sculpt Moukoko into his ideal striker.Â
Finally, no Liverpool fan wants to see Klopp leave the club, but the inevitable will happen, leaving his predecessor with a world-class striker to work with.