Musiala will be the next Messi according to Germany legend

FT Desk

• 26 Nov 2022 14:55 GMT
• 3 min read

Bayern Munich and Germany wonderkid Jamal Musiala has received warm praise from Lothar Matthaus, who believes the youngster can go on to emulate none other than Lionel Messi.

Musiala, 19, could have played for any one of Germany, England and Nigeria due to his family ties and upbringing, and indeed represented the Young Lions up to Under-21 level while a member of Chelsea's academy.

He eventually opted for his nation of birth, however, making his debut for the senior side in 2021 and earning a call-up to Hansi Flick's World Cup squad in Qatar.

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And Matthaus, a legend for both Bayern and Germany and a World Cup winner in 1990, is in no doubt the teenager has the talent necessary to dominate world football.

"He can be the next Messi. Look out for him," he explained to Marca ahead of Germany's crunch World Cup clash against Spain on Sunday.

"He is an excellent player, and I'm not just saying it now when he's succeeding at Bayern. He is a kid who's 100 per cent focused on football. He does not get distracted.

"He is very professional, very intelligent, passionate about the game. I have been a huge fan of his for years, ever since I first saw him."

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'Leaders of their generation'

Matthaus is nevertheless wary of Spain, who Germany need a result against to stay in the World Cup after going down to Japan in their first game - and singled out two Barca stars as particular threats.

"I think the Germans have great respect for Spain, who have a great team. It will be one of the best games of the tournament," he added.

"[Gavi and Pedri] will lead this new generation and Luis Enrique is giving them great confidence, that is key for them. La Roja always produce new stars."