Introduction
A recently written column by The Athletic's David Ornstein suggests that Chelsea are exploring a move for the Borussia Dortmund youngster, Youssoufa Moukoko. And with his contract expiring in the summer of '23, Europe's elite have started lining up to snatch Dortmund's prized possession.
Although only eighteen, the German hitman has developed various facets of his game. This write-up will present a detailed report of the attributes that make Moukoko a hot prospect.
(Moukoko is one of the most sought-after young talents in Europe)
A Quick look into the Numbers
Before analyzing the match footage, we can take a quick look at his data to get a birdseye view of his skillset.
Smarterscout is an online platform that evaluates the performance of players worldwide using data and breaks down the elements of a footballer's attributes. The "pizza chart", as some like to call it, presents an overview of a player's traits that is easily comprehensible.
The chart below is just that.
Let us go through each aspect of his game in detail.
When it comes to finishing (blue), Moukoko tends to attempt a high volume of shots of top quality. Both are reflected by ranking in the 98th and the 71st percentile for 'shot volume' and 'xG from shot creation'. The low output in 'xG from ball progression' exhibits that he is more of a finisher than a creator. And the scanty 'receptions in opposition box' shows that he does not secure many touches in the penalty box.
Possession-wise (green), his numbers are handy. A 60th and 79th percentile finish in 'ball retention ability' and 'carry and dribble volume' represent his propensity to hold the ball and help progression. And the modest performance in 'progressive passing' shows his potential to make line-breaking passes. But the low 'link-up play volume' will be an area he would want to work on.
His defensive contributions (red) are encouraging. Moukoko puts in the effort to help his team on the press, as represented by his performance in 'ball recoveries and interceptions', 'disrupting opposition moves', and 'defending impact'. The below-par return in 'defensive intensity' may be due to the manager's tactical instructions. So, there is no need to raise a red flag. And the slender ranking in 'aerial duels quantity' should not be a surprise as Moukoko is only 5 feet 8 inches tall.
Overall, his performances in different metrics are stellar for an eighteen-year-old. And it is precedent to why top European teams are monitoring his situation at Dortmund.
(Youssoufa Moukoko became the youngest German player to feature in a World Cup when he came on as a substitute in the 2-1 loss to Japan)
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Expert Finisher
The essential attribute elite clubs are most drawn by is his efficiency in front of the goal. Although Moukoko has played less than 1500 minutes across three seasons in the Bundesliga - scoring 11 goals from an expected (xG) of 8.1 - the Dortmund striker's goal-scoring rate in the youth teams is staggering.
In the 73 matches he played for the under-17 and 19 teams, he scored a remarkable 127 goals. For context, that is a return of 1.73 goals per game. Though it will not be as easy in the first division, that achievement is no easy feat.
Moukoko's finish against Bayern Munich this season is a suitable example.
Dortmund hit the German champions with a quick counter. Moukoko plays Anthony Modeste behind the backline and makes a darting run forward.
The youngster arrives in the box on time. But as he collects the pass from his teammate, the ball gets stuck under his feet.
However, that does not bother him.
Moukoko swiftly shuffles his feet and gets enough backlift before blasting the ball into the bottom left corner of Manuel Neuer's goal.
His numbers in the Bundesliga reflect the same picture.
By identifying where he ranks in goals scored and expected goals (xG) per 90, we can better recognize his efficiency in front of the goal.
Clever Runs
It is valuable to be a proficient finisher, but if a striker does not have the awareness to find space and create openings, he won't have the chance to shoot in the first place.
And Moukoko has that intelligence.
His assistant coach, Otto Addo, said the following to the Athletic. "Youssoufa is a very good finisher with both feet and stays calm in front of goal, taking an extra touch if necessary. His deep runs are also very good. He’s got great timing and he’s very switched on. He has a sense of how things happen on the pitch and where a high ball might land.”
The first goal he scored for Borussia Dortmund in the Bundesliga shows just that.
The German positions himself between the two center-backs, suspecting a pass to be played into the space behind him.
That pass is completed as he finds himself behind the defensive line while being on-side to score with his left foot.
He exemplified this skill further in a match against Schalke.
As Marius Wolf collects the ball on the left half-space, the German youngster intelligently positions himself between the full-back and center-back. But he does not align himself with the opposition back line. Rather he stays a few feet in front of the defenders and behind the midfielders to allow himself enough time and space to run onto the header.
Intense Presser
At the highest level, very few managers allow attackers to be spectators during the defensive phases of the match. All ten outfield players are instructed to contribute to the team press and turnover possession in threatening areas
And the manager of Borussia Dortmund, Edin Terzic, emphasizes winning the ball high up the pitch. With his side leading the chart in tackles won in the attacking third (in the Bundesliga), his front line is not allowed any time for inactivity.
One of the reasons Moukoko has earned the manager's trust is because of his relentless off-the-ball work rate. His goal against Bochum in the league demonstrates that.
Moukoko turns over possession after leading the press and forces a mistake from the Bochum defender.
And with no one to support him, he lets it fly from more than 20 yards out to score a magnificent goal.
Final Thoughts
Youssoufa Moukoko is an undeniable talent. And it may be best for his progress to stay put at Dortmund like Erling Haaland before the Norwegian's move to Manchester City. Nevertheless, a player of his quality could make a smooth transition abroad if he can find a club that respects his age and shows faith in his abilities.
It is no surprise that clubs like Chelsea are considering him as a serious option. He is destined for more success, whether it be at his current club or another. Youssoufa Moukoko is on a journey to the very top.
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