Youssoufa Moukoko cheers at Signal Iduna Park in Dortmund, Germany on November 5, 2022. Photo: VCG

The latest goal record might take Cameroon-born Youssoufa Moukoko beyond his wildest dreams.

After becoming the youngest player to score 10 goals in the German first tier last weekend, the 17-year-old Dortmund striker seems on his way to turning into the biggest surprise regarding Germany's 2022 FIFA World Cup squad.

While TV pundits such as former Bayern and Liverpool midfielder Didi Hamann spoke of a must to recruit the youngster, the striker reported an important call he received from German national coach Hansi Flick on November 3.

"The national coach told me to continue and said that the ones who deliver will be rewarded in the end," Moukoko said proudly.

If Flick made his call to prepare the striker for something big ahead might remain in the dark until the official squad was expected to announced on Thursday.

Two goals in the league encounter against Bochum certainly have increased the chances for Moukoko to make it.

To be on the safe side, the Dortmund youngster promised to keep his mobile charged and switched on after he became the first teenager in Germany to score twice in a first-tier game.

Five of his six goals this season were scored in the last seven games.

It might appear like an enchanting detail attached to a fairytale-like story that the Dortmund forward turns 18 on November 20 when the World Cup in Qatar kicks off.

"Yes, I feel ready to play a World Cup," the attacker stated when asked about his performance level.

The youngster has not only continuously put in breath-taking performances, giving him a reputation as a wunderkind, but made important steps to improve his performances.

"His development is something to be happy about. It's not only about scoring goals but to turn into a vital part of our game as he learned to use his body to open spaces and keep the ball up front under intense pressure," Dortmund coach Edin Terzic said.

After traveling a bumpy road, experiencing injury setbacks, and having to keep his growing impatience under control, the praised teenager seems on his way to delivering another surprise.

The injury of Leipzig striker Timo Werner has significantly increased Moukoko's chances of being appointed, as Germany's most successful striker will miss the World Cup due to a torn ligament in his left ankle.

The World Cup participation could be followed by a contract extension with Dortmund as the talent claims to feel perfectly well with the Black and Yellows after he managed to secure his position in the starting eleven this season.

"I am happy here and thankful for the great help of the club and my coach," Moukoko commented.

Xinhua