Ismaël Doukouré: Rising Star in Strasbourg’s Midfield

Ismaël Doukouré, a 21-year-old French U21 international, has become an integral part of Strasbourg’s squad under the BlueCo ownership. This season, he has logged over 1000 minutes of playing time, primarily as a defensive midfielder but occasionally filling in as a center-back.

Doukouré’s professional journey began with Valenciennes, where he debuted in October 2020 at just 17 years old. After impressing in Ligue 2, he transferred to Strasbourg in January 2022 for €1.5 million. Despite an initial setback due to injury, he made his Ligue 1 debut in May, contributing to the team’s survival in the top flight.

Under the guidance of Patrick Vieira and current manager Liam Rosenior, Doukouré has transitioned from a center-back to a defensive midfielder. This positional shift has showcased his versatility and allowed him to develop new aspects of his game. His performances have placed him in the top 3% of midfielders for clearances in Europe’s top five leagues, averaging three per match.

Doukouré’s unique skill set combines defensive prowess with the ability to dribble past opponents, making him a valuable asset in Strasbourg’s midfield. His potential has not gone unnoticed, with several top European clubs expressing interest in the young talent.

Despite a potential move to Wolfsburg being blocked last summer, Strasbourg’s ownership, particularly Behdad Eghbali, views Doukouré as a cornerstone of the club’s future. As part of the BlueCo project, there’s speculation about a possible future transfer to Chelsea, highlighting the exciting prospects that lie ahead for this promising young player.