Favre prevents Moukoko’s record – and that’s a good thing

At 16 years and 4 days old, BVB super talent Youssoufa Moukoko could have become the youngest Champions League player of all time on Tuesday. But his coach Lucien Favre lets him stew on the bench for 90 minutes. A wise decision.

At 81 ‘, Lucien Favre made a double substitution. He replaces the voice actors Erling Haaland and Giovanni Reyna with Marco Reus and Julian Brandt. There are four and five changes on the Dortmund side, so it’s clear: Youssoufa Moukoko will not be used that evening.

Although BVB are already 3-0 up against Bruges at this point and have everything under control, Favre ruins the acclaimed talent as the youngest player in premier class history. It’s a shame, some might think. But it is nothing more than a smart move by the Swiss manager.

So much has been written about Moukoko in the past few weeks. At each press conference, Favre was asked to provide information that the current 16-year-old was ready for the big stage after setting records in the junior division.

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Enthusiasm for the teenager also grew after his Bundesliga debut last weekend and with it the pressure on the young striker. Favre should have made the decision to leave Mokuoko out before the game. He doesn’t seem to want to play the media game and is trying to relieve some of the pressure on the young man.

Favre would do well to be patient

After all, the Dortmunder forts are currently not dependent on a savior. Especially not on someone who just celebrated their sixteenth birthday. Favre wants to try a lot more to slowly introduce the talented forward to the pros and to give him regular job opportunities. So that Moukoko can play calmly and without any pressure. And most importantly, don’t lose the ground beneath your feet.

Favre has shown, in the past and in the present, how well he can deal with young people. Haaland (20), Reyna (18), Sancho (20) and Bellingham (17) were four players in the starting lineup against Bruges who could still play in the youth division.

Moukoko will also have more appearances, and certainly in the Champions League, where at some point he will certainly break the record as the youngest player. Because postponed it is not canceled. Céléstine Babayaro holds the record at 16 years and 87 days. Moukoko could break the record next week in the match against Lazio.