“He’ll be sold for an incredible fee” – Kwasniok heaps praise on El Mala

For the second Bundesliga game in a row, 19-year-old Said El Mala scored a magnificent solo goal, this time helping 1. FC Köln secure a 1-1 draw against Augsburg.

Ahead of Saturday's game, Köln coach Lukas Kwasniok had tried to temper the hype surrounding the youngster, warning that it could potentially have a negative impact on the young man.

However, after Saturday’s draw, Kwasniok acknowledged that there’s little he can do to stop the hype train.

“I can’t and don’t want to downplay the hype. Nor the euphoria in the city. It's not what we want. But we focus on what we can influence - and that’s working with the kid,” Kwasniok said in a post-match interview, adding that El Mala still has a lot to learn.

“He can produce absolute highlights, but there’s still a huge gap between a highlight player and a good Bundesliga player. And the great thing is that he and his surroundings understand that.”

Kwasniok is aware that if El Mala, who played in the 3. Liga for Viktoria Köln last season, continues his development, he will eventually be sold for a significant fee.

“We’re just proud that the club signed him at the right moment. We know he probably won’t play here for the next 15 years,” Kwasniok said.

“Someday, he will be sold for an incredible fee. And that’s okay. But I have the feeling that right now he carries FC Köln close to his heart, is enjoying his time here - and so are we.”