When Assan Ouédraogo was named in the Schalke 04 starting XI for their first game of the 2023–24 campaign against Hamburger SV, all eyes were on the then-17-year-old.
With those fortunate enough to have seen a glimpse of the midfielder’s talent at a young age, expectations were undoubtedly high for Ouédraogo’s future, but instantly stepping into first-team football and proving his ability was not a guarantee.
Yet, 90 minutes later, despite Schalke falling to defeat away from home at the Volksparkstadion, the mesmerising 17-year-old shone, registering a goal and an assist, as clubs across Europe wondered how much it would cost to lure him away from the Veltins Arena.
In a campaign blighted by injuries, Die Königsblauen were not able to call upon Ouédraogo as much as they would have hoped, leaving them fighting against relegation for the majority of the season; however, when he was fit, he was a marvel to watch.
Standing just shy of 6′ 3” (1.91 m), there is reason to believe that the now 18-year-old will not be the most elegant of players on the ball, but this could not be further from the case.
Despite his tall frame, with a ball at his feet, there are few players in the world that are as majestic and agile as the former Schalke midfielder, with a low centre of gravity abnormal for players of his size.
Taking on players at will with his quick feet and sudden change of direction, Ouédraogo also has the added component of using his body to hold off opposing defenders.
It is little surprise; therefore, that interest in the midfielder’s signature was vast, with Bayern Munich, Bayer Leverkusen, Brighton & Hove Albion, and AC Milan all looking to sign Germany’s future star.
Regardless, RB Leipzig were the side able to agree on a fee with Schalke, leaving many clubs across Europe frustrated having missed out on such a rare talent.
However, how will Assan Ouédraogo fit in at RB Leipzig?
The departure of Dani Olmo to Barcelona has opened a hole that undoubtedly will need to be filled in Marco Rose’s side.
It is expected that the new signing, Antonio Nusa, will occupy the left-hand side of Leipzig’s attack, while Xavi Simmons will star on the right.
Therefore, it will be in the middle of Rose’s midfield where Ouédraogo will look to stamp his authority this season.
Sidelined with an injury for the opening few weeks of the new campaign, upon his return, the German U-18 international will look to become a key figure, shifting either Kevin Kampl, Nicolas Seiwald, Xaver Schlager, or Amadou Haidara out of the side.
In either a box-to-box role or playing slightly more advanced, Ouédraogo is far more dangerous when in central positions.
He is not afraid to help out with defensive duties, carry the ball up the pitch, and link defence to attack, which will be his main aim in a Die Roten Bullen shirt.
While there are still parts of his game that need ironing out, such as his pass completion, at just 76.5% last season, as per FBref, there is no reason why Ouédraogo cannot establish himself as one of the Bundesliga’s and Germany’s most completed midfielders over the next few seasons.
GGFN | Will Shopland
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