Mikey Moore prepares for first Rhine derby as Cologne host Gladbach
Cologne midfielder Mikey Moore is preparing for his first Rhine derby, with Borussia Mönchengladbach visiting on Sunday in the Bundesliga. The 19-year-old England U20 captain, on loan from Tottenham, scored twice and set up another goal during the international break as his side beat Italy, France and Germany. Cologne may rely on him more after Thijs Dallinga and Ragnar Ache were injured in a friendly during the same window.
Cologne enter Sunday’s Rhine derby with four points from four Bundesliga matches. The fixture is the 101st meeting in this regional rivalry. Moore, 19, is on loan from Tottenham and has made three league appearances so far; another outing would be his fourth. Cologne also have English players Jahmai Simpson-Pusey and Reigan Heskey.
Tony Woodcock, the earliest English player at Cologne, had two spells there from 1979 to 1988 and scored twice in derbies against Gladbach. Moore has prior derby experience from Old Firm matches and North London meetings with Arsenal. Thijs Dallinga and Ragnar Ache were injured in a friendly against Viktoria Köln.
The Rhine derby could intensify local pride and conversation across Cologne and Mönchengladbach, with supporters, players and businesses around the fixture potentially feeling a short-term boost in attention. Moore’s progress may also draw interest from English fans and young players considering loans abroad, while his role could shape how Cologne cope with injuries. For