Borussia Mönchengladbach's jewel Wael Mohya enters history books
By scoring in Borussia Mönchengladbach's 3-2 victory over VfB Stuttgart, 17-year-old Wael Mohya not only helped his side to their first victory of the season, but also wrote himself into the Bundesliga history books.
As Gladbach travelled to face UEFA Champions League participants Stuttgart on Friday, many would have expected the Foals' losing start to the season to continue. Another defeat would have given them an unwanted record, too, by becoming the first side in Bundesliga history to lose each of their opening seven games of a campaign.
However, Alexander Blessin's men ultimately ran out winners, coming from behind to prevail at the MHPArena, and teenager Mohya played a significant role in the victory.
He caused continuous problems down the left flank with his effort and intensity and, after helping set up Gladbach's equaliser, he assisted Shuto Machino's strike before finding the back of the net himself with a close-range header. In the process, at the age of 17 years and 296 days, he became the fourth-youngest player to score in back-to-back Bundesliga games after Mathys Tel (17 years, 195 days), Christian Pulisic (17 years, 218 days) and Florian Wirtz (17 years, 227 days), having found the back of the net in the 2-1 loss to Hoffenheim on Matchday 6.
The victory not only gave Gladbach their first points of the season, but also represented Blessin's first triumph in charge in his third game. "That was top, top, top," he exclaimed when discussing his young prodigy's performance, also praising his defensive work that "helped the team enormously".
Mohya, too, was delighted with his display. "It's about time," he said. "It is a great feeling to get the win, and it is even better that I could help by scoring and assisting."
The Germany U21 international has now scored in three competitive games this season, as well as providing an assist. In the Bundesliga, he has four goals and two assists in his career and looks set for a big future.
There were concerns that he had picked up an injury when he was replaced late on against Stuttgart, but Mohya allayed any fears, stating: "It's just a dead leg. Nothing to worry about."
As such, he should be available for Gladbach's DFB Cup second-round clash with Karlsruhe on Tuesday as he and his teammates aim to prove that this maiden league victory is just the beginning.
