Fifteen days before his 18th birthday, Youssoufa Moukoko once again wrote himself into the German football history books – by reaching 10 Bundesliga goals at a younger age than any other player. Moukoko, 17, improved upon the record previously held by Leverkusen's Florian Wirtz by 160 days, and quickly went on to add goal number 11.

"The fact that Youssoufa has been a talking point in every interview, in every press conference, is something he's earned through his performances. The past year hasn't been easy for him; he's had a lot of injuries to deal with. The most important thing is that he's been able to take part in every training session since the end of June without any setbacks," Terzic said of his striker after the VfL Bochum game, adding: "That laid the groundwork for him to be able to score the two goals today. He has taken a huge step forward in his game. He always offers a passing option between the lines; he is looking a lot better on the ball; he is using his body better and better, and in doing so provides us with some important seconds in which to push up."

Moukoko is enjoying his run. He has been the No. 1 in the BVB forward line for at least four weeks now. "I was often injured last year," he explained. "I'm happy that I have remained free of injuries up until now. If that remains the case, everything will happen by itself." His team-mates were amazed – by the powerful shot that made it 1-0, and even more so by how he held off the strong, 1.95m-tall and 90kg-heavy Ivan Ordets beforehand. And they were full of praise – for the vision and delicate chip into the Bochum net from over 30 metres out to make it 2-0. "He took both goals outstandingly," applauded Salih Özcan, while Gregor Kobel emphasised: "He showed a lot of conviction for the first goal; the second was a super chip."

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Thanks in part to Moukoko's goal and to Kobel's saves as well, BVB are now – finally – on a run: they are six games unbeaten in all competitions (four victories) and have conceded only two goals in those six matches. "We kept a clean sheet and picked up three points," said Kobel after the 3-0 win against Bochum – a scoreline which was more flattering than the balance of play suggested.

BVB have two more games coming up next week, both away from home: they will travel to in-form VfL Wolfsburg on Tuesday (unbeaten in six league games, the last two clear wins), before heading to Borussia Mönchengladbach on Friday. "We wanted to take nine points from three games. We started that against Bochum. At the end we'll see where we are," explained Moukoko.

Marco Reus, traditionally a formidable foe for both Wolfsburg and Gladbach, made a cameo appearance against Bochum and will be involved. "Marco will train on Sunday," Terzic announced, adding: "We also have another session on Monday. Then we'll decide how long he can play for on Tuesday. We're happy that our captain is back again." And that he can help to extend the run.
Boris Rupert