New Delhi, November 24, 2022: Germany’s teenage sensation Jamal Musiala on Monday credited his England youth period for helping him develop the creative game that has quickly turned him into one of the rising stars of the sport.
The 19-year-old, following a stellar season start with Bayern Munich where he scored nine goals and delivered six assists so far, is expected to be Germany’s conductor in attack, operating between central midfield and the front line.
His pace, passing, creative play, and scoring ability have quickly drawn comparisons with other big names, with former Germany captain Lothar Matthaeus drawing parallels to Argentina’s great Lionel Messi.
“I think a comparison with Messi is something like an honor,” Musiala told a news conference. “He plays at the top level for so long and to be compared with him is a bit difficult. I just focus on me and what I can do better as Jamal and keep going.”
Few would have thought just two years ago that Musiala, with his light frame, medium height, and innocent demeanor, earned him the nickname ‘Bambi’ and would become one of the key German players for the 2022 World Cup according to the reports published in indianexpress.com.
Musiala cut his teeth in England as a youngster, running through the national youth system to the England Under-21 but then opted to play for his country of birth, dealing a massive blow to coach Gareth Southgate’s senior England team. He has, however, been carrying one piece of advice he got from the English coaches that have helped him become the player he is today.
“I think in England you learn different things than in Germany. I took a lot with me. They used to say ‘play with freedom’,” he said.
