The final day of the Bundesliga season delivered a sobering result for RB Leipzig, as they were thrashed 4-1 by SC Freiburg at the Europa-Park Stadion. Yet, amid the wreckage of a defeat in which they conceded three times from set pieces, young midfielder Assan Ouedraogo found a sliver of personal optimism. The 20-year-old, who has been on the fringes of the national team discussion, now believes he can still force his way into the World Cup squad.
Leipzig's season had already been a rollercoaster, with Champions League qualification secured but their title challenge fading early. The trip to Freiburg was supposed to be a chance to end on a high, but Marco Rose's side capitulated in alarming fashion. All four of Freiburg's goals carried the hallmark of poor organization: the first, a header from a corner that eluded the near-post defender; the second, a free-kick routine that exploited a gaping hole in the wall; the third, another corner where a runner was left unmarked; and the fourth, from open play after Leipzig had thrown bodies forward in desperation.
Ouedraogo, however, was one of the few visitors who emerged with credit. Having joined Leipzig's first team from the academy, his dynamic runs from midfield and willingness to take on defenders offered a spark. He completed 92 percent of his passes, won five duels, and provided the assist for Leipzig's consolation goal, threading a neat through ball behind Freiburg's high line. It was a performance that underscored his potential, and crucially, it did not go unnoticed.
The World Cup dream has been a driving force for Ouedraogo throughout the campaign. Born in Germany to Burkinabe parents, he is eligible for both nations, but his focus has been on earning a spot in Hansi Flick's plans for Qatar. With the final squad announcement looming, his recent displays—including the Freiburg outing—have reignited a debate about which youth players deserve a surprise call-up. The 20-year-old's versatility, able to operate as a box-to-box midfielder or on the right, makes him a valuable option.
Leipzig's coaching staff have long believed Ouedraogo has the tools to succeed at the top level. His physical maturity belies his age, and his technical ability in tight spaces sets him apart from many domestic peers. The Freiburg match, despite the outcome, may have strengthened his case. He showed composure in possession and an eye for a penetrating pass, attributes that Flick values in a system that demands quick transitions.
Yet the heavy defeat also laid bare the flaws that could hinder Leipzig's ambitions next season. Conceding three set-piece goals is a statistical anomaly, but it pointed to a lingering weakness. Under Rose, Leipzig have often struggled to defend dead-ball situations, having allowed 12 goals from set pieces across the Bundesliga campaign—the second-worst record in the league. For Ouedraogo, such defensive lapses are a double-edged sword: they hurt the team's results, but they also create game situations where his attacking contributions stand out more starkly.
From a broader perspective, this match encapsulated Leipzig's season: moments of individual brilliance overshadowed by collective fragility. Finishing fifth in the table, outside the Champions League places, was a disappointment for a squad with title aspirations. Ouedraogo's emergence, though, provides a silver lining. Along with other academy graduates, he represents a homegrown core that could define the club's future, especially with key players expected to depart in the summer.
Looking ahead, the 20-year-old's immediate focus will be on impressing during the pre-tournament training camp with the German senior team, should he receive a call-up. Even if he misses out, the experience of being in contention will serve him well. His "giant dream," as he has reportedly described it, is not merely about making a squad; it is about proving he belongs on the biggest stage.
For Leipzig, the off-season will be one of reflection. The set-piece defensive record must be addressed, either through tactical adjustments or personnel changes. The loss at Freiburg should act as a catalyst for improvement. As the club looks to rebuild, Ouedraogo's progress will be a key storyline. His ability to influence matches from midfield could see him take on a more prominent role next term, regardless of his World Cup fate.
In the wider context of German football, Ouedraogo's rise is a timely reminder of the talent pool bubbling beneath the established stars. With a national team in transition, a player of his profile—young, technically gifted, and unfazed by pressure—could inject much-needed dynamism. The 4-1 scoreline may be forgotten by many, but for the man at its heart, it might just be the game that changed everything.
Based on reporting from Kicker.
