Younes Ebnoutalib made his senior debut for Germany and impressed during 61 minutes of action in the 1-1 draw with the Netherlands in Amsterdam. The 23-year-old Eintracht Frankfurt striker came on for the injured Kai Havertz after half an hour and left a strong impression.
National team coach Jürgen Klopp was full of praise. "I forget that it was his debut because he played so well," said the Germany boss. Ebnoutalib registered 26 touches, took two shots and won 50 percent of his duels. One of his best moments was a headed chance from a Yannik Engelhardt cross that went narrowly wide.
Rise from the fourth tier
The forward's development is remarkable. Just two years ago he was playing in Germany's fourth division and living on 800 euros a month. After spells with Gießen and Elversberg, he eventually moved to Eintracht Frankfurt. There, he has started this season as the Bundesliga's top scorer with four goals in four league appearances, most recently scoring in the 2-2 draw with SC Freiburg.
His form is timely for the club. Eintracht Frankfurt sit tenth in the table with five points from four matches. The team has scored nine goals this season but has also conceded ten. The next challenge is away at RB Leipzig on October 10th.
For Ebnoutalib, the night in Amsterdam was another step in a rapid ascent. His next aim is to continue his goalscoring form in the shirt of the Eagles.
This story first appeared at Bild Sport
