Former Germany captain Lothar Matthaus has heaped praise on his compatriot, Jamal Musiala, saying that he could be “the Messi of the future”.
Speaking to BBC Sport after Germany’s 1-1 draw with Spain on Sunday, Matthaus spoke positively about Musiala’s potential.
“He can be the Messi of the future,” said the 1990 Ballon d’Or winner. “He is excellent. I have loved him for the last two years; I love his style of football and his personality. He is 19 years old and doing the things that will make him a top footballer.
“He’s clever with his thinking, has great passing, and he loves football. Musiala can be the next Messi. Because, when Messi was 17, 18 years old, I met him for the first time when he played against Hungary, and he got sent off after 40 seconds.
“He came onto the field and tried to show he loves football; he has a passion for football. I have been a big fan of him from two years ago when he first broke through.”
The Bayern Munich youngster has been a creative spark for an underwhelming Germany so far in Qatar. With his impressive dribbling, close control, and eye for a pass, you can tell where Matthaus sees Lionel Messi-Esque qualities in Jamal Musiala.
Despite having an assist against Spain, Musiala is yet to find the net at this World Cup. If his stats from his season at club level are anything to go by, though, he will do soon.
Matthaus praises Jamal Musiala: Bayern star’s 2022/23 so far
Fast becoming a key player in Bavaria, Musiala was having an electric season before the World Cup break.
In 14 Bundesliga appearances, the German international had registered nine goals and seven assists. These nine goals included a brace on the opening day against Eintracht Frankfurt from left midfield.
Aside from his talent and production, Musiala’s ability to impact the game from different positions is also impressive. Even though he usually operates in attack midfield, the 19-year-old is happy off the left too.
Additionally, in a 2-0 win over Schalke, Musiala notched two assists from centre midfield. And it was following this game that Bayern legend Matthaus compared Jamal Musiala to Messi again.
Before his exploits at the World Cup, Musiala already drew comparisons to the Argentine. Speaking on Sky Germany a few weeks ago, Matthaus talked up the midfielder’s impact.
“This is magic, this is Messi-like,” said Matthaus, via Bavarian Football Works. “This man must never leave Bayern. He enchants us all – he entertains us, it’s like Hollywood.
“You know what Lionel Messi was in Barcelona? Jamal Musiala has to be that at Bayern Munich. The fixed point of the team. He should stay with the club for as long as possible.”
Whether Musiala can live up to Matthaus’ hype remains to be seen. For now, though, he must focus on helping Germany to qualify for the last 16 at the World Cup.
Featured image credit: Getty