A local boy, the 17-year-old was thrust into the side of the relegated Bundesliga giants on the first day of the season and he immediately found the back of the net. If Brighton were to make a move, he could follow in the footsteps of Moises Caicedo and Alexis Mac Allister.
But who is Assan Ouedraogo and how good is he really?
Assan Ouedraogo looks a real talent at 17. Just broken into Schalke's first team and will undoubtedly gain valuable mins in the 2. BuLi. It's encouraging to see a midfielder with such tenacity and defensive awareness at a young age. One to keep an eye on for the future. pic.twitter.com/0RVFw44bwC
- Pythagoras In Boots (@pythaginboots) September 11, 2023
What position does Ouedraogo play in? Ouedraogo is a skilful central midfielder who can also be used further forward and out wide.
How good is Ouedraogo? A product of the celebrated youth academy - the Knappenschmiede - of Schalke 04, Assan Ouedraogo was a surprise starter on the opening day of the 2. Bundesliga as the Royal Blues faced Hamburger SV in a battle of fallen German giants. Then-coach Thomas Reis threw him into the team and the 17-year-old immediately repaid the faith, scoring after 22 minutes.
However, scoring is not what the youngster's game is really about. A skilful, all-action midfielder with an insatiable hunger to go forward, Ouedraogo has featured in every game for Schalke this season, though he hasn't added to his goals or assist tally since matchday one. Playing with a youthful exuberance, the 17-year-old loves to take people on and get stuck in, and he is rightfully considered one of Germany's biggest talents.
Nevertheless, he is still very much a diamond in the rough and would massively benefit from staying in a lower division for a bit longer. Schalke's struggles this season, however, mean that they likely won't be able to keep hold of the local youngster if big clubs come calling.
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The vultures are already circling.Assan Ouedraogo's father and little brother were guests of this man at yesterday's #UCL Leipzig defeat. pic.twitter.com/nhtBRFBrrx
- Schalke 04 Canadian Fan Club (@Schalke_Canada) October 5, 2023
What clubs are interested in Ouedraogo? According to BILD's Christian Falk, the German is being keenly watched by prolific talent scouts Brighton. Despite the fact that he is not ready for the Premier League yet, it could be a smart move as the Seagulls have shown that they are willing to be patient with players like Moises Caicedo and Alexis Mac Allister.
Moreover, the youngster is clearly also being targeted by RB Leipzig. The Red Bulls' sporting director Rouven Schroder was seen talking to the 17-year-old's father and brother during the Champions League clash with Man City.
When does Ouedraogo's contract expire? Ouedraogo's contract runs until June 30, 2027. A EUR20 million release clause will be activated on his 18th birthday, according to Christian Falk.
How old is Ouedraogo? Ouedraogo was born on May 9, 2006, making him 17 years old.
What is Ouedraogo's Instagram? Ouedraogo's Instagram account is @assan.odg and has 29k followers as of October 2023.
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