The 'perfect week' for Assan Ouédraogo and RB Leipzig
RB Leipzig continue to impress in their pursuit of league-leaders Bayern Munich, with Assan Ouédraogo making it a memorable few days for the 19-year-old and his club after following up a goal on his Germany debut by grabbing another in his side's win over Werder Bremen.
A whirlwind week for Ouédraogo was capped off on Sunday as he broke the deadlock in stunning fashion at the Red Bull Arena, setting Leipzig on course for their eventual 2-0 win over Bremen.
It came just days after not only earning a first senior Germany cap but becoming the youngest debutant to score for Germany since Klaus Stürmer in October 1954 and the country's fourth-youngest ever in the Bundesliga era.
Watch: Ouédraogo scores in 2-0 win over Bremen
In the aftermath of that goal against Slovakia, which put the cherry on top of a victory which saw Germany secure their spot at the FIFA World Cup 2026, Ouédraogo said: "I never imagined it would go so well, but I'm not complaining. I'm very proud of this moment and incredibly happy.”
You'd excuse the youngster if he thought things couldn't get better, but then came a Man of the Match display against Bremen just days later.
"It was more or less a perfect week," reflected the youngster after those domestic efforts kept Leipzig within six points of Bayern. "First the goal for the national team and now scoring again – it doesn't get any better than that."
Watch: Ouédraogo back on the road to stardom
It certainly doesn't and few players will experience such highs in less than a week than Ouédraogo, who now has three goals and three assists to his name in the league this season.
He has had to be patient, too, with injury limiting Ouédraogo to just five appearances in all competitions last term - his first at Leipzig after joining Die Roten Bullen from Schalke in the summer of 2024.
All Ouédraogo's hard work now appears to be paying off, though, and to the benefit of both club and country.
And those around him are excited by what they're seeing, with Leipzig teammate Christoph Baumgartner describing Ouédraogo's goal against Bremen as "pure quality".
Leipzig coach Ole Werner also described Ouédraogo as "an exceptional talent, very likeable," while Germany boss Julian Nagelsmann said after the teenager's international bow: "He's still very young, but I'm very happy with his development and hope he retains his humility."
While Ouédraogo is definitely growing his wings at Leipzig, he does appear to remain grounded and is benefitting from playing in the youngest team in the country and a side which places so much trust on young shoulders.
The rewards are clear, with Leipzig winning all five games at home and within striking distance of Bayern at the top of the table. On this early season evidence, the sky is the limit for Ouédraogo and Leipzig.
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