Jamal Musiala is one of the big winners of Nations League games so far. In the dress of the German national team, the youngster impressed both against Italy and against England. The young Bayern star has a great DFB career ahead of him.
If Jamal Musiala could make draws and allocate international match locations, he would probably have staged it exactly like this: The duel between his home countries Germany and England in the Nations League became his home game in the Allianz Arena.
How painted for the midfielder of FC Bayern. The game meant “a lot” to him, said the 19-year-old at the end of May: “England is my second home and will always have a place in my heart. The decision to play for Germany was still the right one for me,” said Musiala at Sport1. “Perfect timing” – say the British. In addition, there is the duel with his big buddy Jude Bellingham from Borussia Dortmund.
Musiala loves to duel with the 18-year-old, who has played twelve international matches for England, at table tennis and on the console. They chat regularly.
About a year ago, Musiala was on the pitch in the round of 16 match between England and the German national team at Wembley Stadium. If only for a few minutes, he was substituted in overtime. In his fifth cap, however, all he could do was congratulate the Brits on their 2-0 win.
Jamal was born in Stuttgart, his mother is German and his father is from Nigeria. Because his parents moved to Southampton for his mother’s semester abroad, he left Fulda at the age of seven. A little later, the super talent ended up in the youth team of Chelsea FC in West London via the youth team of FC Southampton and a few trial sessions. He made his home on the island for eight and a half years. In the summer of 2019, Musiala moved to Munich as a 16-year-old.
In the meantime, the shy Jamal, whom everyone in Bayern and the national team calls “Bambi”, has almost become an old hand. At 18 years and 117 days, Musiala is the youngest player to play for the DFB in a major tournament.
He has twelve international matches on his narrow shoulders. At the two World Cup test matches this March, Musiala showed why he will soon be indispensable. He impresses with his clever positional play, his quick grasp of the game situation. In conquering, defending and distributing the ball, often all in one movement, he acts so skilfully that the teammates are constantly looking for him.
Him, the ball magnet. In the professional field, he was initially used as a winger, mostly on the left side. But above all in the center, as a more defensive six, eight or in the offensive ten position, he was already convincing – at Bayern and in the national team.
In a 1-1 draw with the Netherlands in Amsterdam in March, Musiala produced such an impressive six-score alongside Ilkay Gündogan that it’s hard to imagine why so much talent should be sent to the wide lane. The super talent is more in the game in the center, more on the ball and can show off his enormous abilities.
Soccer, Formula 1, tennis and more in a sports package
Where does Musiala see herself? “I have the most fun in the tenth position in attacking midfield,” he explained in a Sky interview, “that’s where I feel most comfortable. That’s where I played the most when I was young.” The different areas of activity under his coaches Julian Nagelsmann and Hansi Flick help him. “I had to get used to a few things, including new positions. The fact that I last played on the six and eight was good for my development. It is important to get match practice.”
In conversation, the teenager, who he will be until February next year, seems calm, determined and almost detached. “When you come up as a young player, you have to stay true to your style of play,” says Musiala.
His goal is to be able to “inspire the fans with my game,” he emphasizes. Like his role model Lionel Messi. “I used to watch Messi as a kid. Almost every game he played, I said ‘Wow’ at least once. He’s done so many special things. I then made up my mind to do that.”
It usually works too.
This article was written by Patrick Strasser
Again there is no victory for the German national team in the Nations League. Coach Hansi Flick’s team played 1-1 against England. Jonas Hofmann puts the DFB team in the lead, Harry Kane equalizes shortly before the end. The game in the ticker to read.
Hans-Joachim Watzke thinks it is possible to sell Youssoufa Moukoko. The contract negotiations are decisive for a possible transfer of the youngster.
Former Liverpool defender Jose Enrique has slammed Sadio Mané for his statements and knows the real reason behind the Senegalese’s intentions.
The original of this article “Musiala makes no alternative at Bayern and at the DFB” comes from the evening newspaper.
