Eintracht Frankfurt’s German Prospect Younes Ebnoutalib is Taking Over

Debuting in the Bundesliga is huge feat, scoring on your top flight debut is another; that is how life has been lately for the former Elversberg headliner, now doing it in Eintracht Frankfurt colours.

Borussia Dortmund’s 3-3 draw with Eintracht Frankfurt meant points were drawn in Bundesliga’s opening clash for this calendar year. New January striker signing, Younes Ebnoutalib’s second half strike was key towards the points being shared – concluding a dream debut.

Many were surprised with the new signing directly starting on his top flight debut, just days after being signed from 2. Bundesliga’s Elversberg side. He’s still the top scorer in the second division with 12 goals in 17 appearances, a reliable goal scorer and a breakout star in German football this season.

In recent years, Eintracht has been synonymous for nurturing some of the best attackers from their disposal. Manchester City’s Omar Marmoush, Liverpool’s Hugo Ekitike and Tottenham’s Randal Kolo Muani making their breakthrough from the German club.

With Jonathan Burkardt nursing a calf injury and Elye Wahi loaned out to Nice until the end of the season, the signing of Younes Ebnoutalib alongside the loan of Arnaud Kalimuendo-Muinga will bring a breath of fresh air in attack.

Debut Review

The first goal in top flight football was a thing of beauty – collected the ball in the centre of the pitch; drove with speed towards goal with defenders chasing him; sleek ball roll before unleashing a perfect finish.

Confidence just doesn’t come better than this. For someone who’s waited his whole life to play in front of his home crowd of Frankfurt, he’s taken the opportunity with both hands.

An identical performance to Ekitike, to now which Ebnoutalib wears the same #11 shirt. A game in which he influenced attacks with his presence, won key fouls, carried the ball and made his mark with constant movement across the opposition backline.

A common approach whenever he received the ball, mainly in the centre of the pitch was the directness in attack. Receive whilst dropping deep, quickly turn and try carrying further forwards. This same sequence saw him win two fouls that led to yellow cards for Dortmund players; Anton and Süle respectively.

The awareness of space and instinctive movements around the pockets aid him to be alert and responsive to create for himself and others around him. Got a decent physical frame for the league, not too soft to go down to ground unless being outmuscled.

With Eintracht Frankfurt competing for European spots and looking to find themselves in the qualification spots for the next round of the Champions League, Ebnoutalib has shown promise to take them to their intended destination.