Mikey Moore in line for first Bundesliga start this weekend

Mikey Moore in line for first Bundesliga start this weekend Mikey Moore is pushing for his first Bundesliga start with Cologne after an impressive substitute appearance in last weekend’s 4-1 defeat away at VfB Stuttgart. The Tottenham Hotspur loanee emerged as one of the few positives from a difficult evening for René Wagner’s side, immediately providing greater creativity and penetration after entering at halftime. GGFN examined Moore’s encouraging Bundesliga debut in detail following the Stuttgart defeat , with the 19-year-old creating several dangerous situations from a central attacking position and playing an important role in Köln’s late consolation goal. His performance has now pushed him firmly into contention for Saturday evening’s home fixture against Werder Bremen. “Yes, definitely,” Wagner replied when asked whether Moore could start. “Anyone who can start in the Premier League can also start for us in the Bundesliga. He is definitely a candidate to be on the pitch from the start on Saturday.” Moore rewarded after lively Stuttgart cameo Moore required little time to make an impression after replacing Jan Thielmann against Stuttgart. Operating centrally behind the striker, the England youth international repeatedly found pockets between the lines and helped Cologne create opportunities that had been almost entirely absent during the opening half. His ability to receive under pressure, turn and attack defensive lines offered Wagner a different profile in the No. 10 position. That versatility formed an important part of Köln’s reasoning when they pursued Moore throughout August before eventually completing a season-long loan from Tottenham without a purchase option . The teenager can operate on either flank or centrally and now appears poised to receive an opportunity in the latter role. Wagner had already praised Moore after the Stuttgart fixture, emphasizing his ability to create danger between the lines and get into the penalty area. A first Bundesliga start would represent the next immediate step. El Mala available only from the bench Moore’s opportunity arrives as Köln continue to manage the return of Said El Mala. The highly-rated attacker missed the Stuttgart defeat through illness alongside Thijs Dallinga. Dallinga has since recovered fully and returned to training earlier in the week, but El Mala required longer to regain fitness after being ill for almost six days. The 20-year-old only returned to team training on Wednesday. “For Said, it’s about getting properly back into rhythm,” Wagner said. “He was ill for almost six days. He has the chance to provide an impulse from the bench.” Linton Maina represents one option on the left side of the attack, while Moore’s emergence provides Wagner with another way of reshuffling the attacking line without immediately placing too much responsibility on El Mala following his illness. Skhiri set for first start since Köln return Changes are also expected in midfield. Ellyes Skhiri will make his first start since returning to Köln from Eintracht Frankfurt. The experienced defensive midfielder has appeared from the bench in the opening two league fixtures, but Wagner confirmed that the time has come to restore him to the starting XI. “He is ready and will be in the starting lineup,” Wagner said. “We don’t need to make a secret of that.” Wagner is seeking a different impulse in central midfield following the Stuttgart defeat, meaning Isak Jóhannesson could make way. Skhiri’s return would add experience to a side that may simultaneously hand Moore his first Bundesliga start for the club. Wagner faces difficult squad decisions For the first time this season, Wagner also faces a significant selection squeeze. With the exception of defender Timo Hübers, all outfield players are currently available, including Alessio Castro-Montes after the latter overcame a minor fitness issue. That means at least four senior players will have to be left out of the matchday squad altogether. “This weekend, there will be a lot of disappointed faces,” Wagner admitted. “I face the hardest decisions [since my appointment as head coach]. Against Stuttgart, we had issues that weren’t structural, but rather individual. We spoke about this during the week and it’s the case that everyone who wants to play has to show more.” GGFN  |  Peter Weis