FC COPENHAGEN - Relying on a wonderkid

New striker... Youssoufa Moukoko

1 Oct 2025 - World Soccer

All teams compiled by Nick Bidwell

The Danish champions’ new German striker Youssoufa Moukoko, recruited this summer from Borussia Dortmund, will be having a reunion with his old team-mates earlier than he thought, with Copenhagen due to imminently host the Ruhr giant son Matchday 3. The 20-year-old unwittingly paved the way for the get-together, on target with a penalty as his new club beat Basel 3-1 on aggregate in the final qualification round.

Copenhagen clinched a record 16th domestic league title last season, just seeing off holders Midtjylland in an enthralling head-to-head contest. This is their seventh appearance in the group/ league phase, eliminated early on four occasions and twice reaching the last 16, where they lost to Chelsea in 2010-11 and Manchester City in 2023-24.

Sadly for supporters, their two most marketable talents shipped out in the close season, winger Roony Bardghji moving to Barcelona and midfielder Victor Froholdt signing for Porto.

What is their best asset as a team?

Defensively, they are extremely well drilled, only conceding 33 goals in 32 league games last season. The unit of central defensive pairing Gabriel Pereira and Pantelis Hatzidiakos, 

Is Moukoko the answer to their goalscoring prayers?

Absolutely. They have been in dire need of an out-and-out marksman and the ex-Dortmunder fits the bill completely. Last term, their top scorer in all competitions was right-back Kevin Diks, who amassed 11 goals – all of them penalties. He has since left for Borussia Monchengladbach in Germany.

- What are the key parts of Jacob Neestrup’s coaching philosophy?

He is a great believer in the versatility of individual players and players interchanging positions to confuse the opposition. A priority for Neestrup is to crowd the middle of the pitch with 8 players, leaving just two to occupy the flanks. He sees superior manpower in the central area as the key to control.

COACH - Jacob Neestrup 

In charge since 2022, he was recently linked with the vacancies at RB Leipzig and Wolfsburg. 

KEY MAN - Mohamed Elyounoussi 

Bright, nimble and skilful winger or second striker. 

YOUNGSTER - William Clem 

Tall and athletic defensive midfielder who came through the youth ranks. Denmark Under-21 international. plus full-backs Rodrigo Huescas and Marcos Lopez, has a brick-wall quality.