Super talent Youssoufa Moukoko rates U21 European champions Germany better at the finals than when they won the title two years ago.
“There’s even more quality there. We’ll see if we have the will and ambition of the team from back then. One question is how to deal with resistance,” said the 18-year-old Borussia Dortmund striker shortly before the start of the tournament . The BVB jewel was there two years ago and, according to statistics, is the European champion. But in the two-part tournament in 2021 he did not play in the preliminary round and was injured in the knockout phase.
Moukoko, the star of the U21 team
“When I win a title, I also want to contribute something. That wasn’t the case two years ago. I didn’t play a minute. Even if it’s on paper, I don’t feel like a European champion,” said Moukoko. “This time I’m a regular and a leading player. I want to use the games because it’s a stage for everyone. You play for Germany first and foremost, but there are many players who made their breakthrough through a tournament like this.” It starts for his team on Thursday against Israel. Other opponents are the Czech Republic and title candidate England.
Moukoko, who also played once for the senior national team at the World Cup in Qatar, is the biggest star of the DFB selection in terms of a market value of an estimated 30 million euros. “He knows what he can do. He’s a huge talent who has to confirm that against top opponents at the European Championships. He has to assert himself there. He has what it takes and we’ll see it in the next few games,” said assistant coach Herman Gerland.
When asked about Moukoko’s plans to also become top scorer, the 69-year-old Gerland explained: “I have no problem if he becomes top scorer and we are European champions. Then we can go to the Olympic Games together, there is nothing better. “
