Jamal Musiala is only 21. But the European Championships at home are already his third major tournament. “Bambi” was once upon a time, the young star from FC Bayern is now “a regular player” with clear goals.
Shortly before the start of the European Championships at home, Bayern Munich’s young star Jamal Musiala looks back with some pride on his rapid development in the national football team. “I’m no longer the normal young player,” the 21-year-old offensive player told the German Press Agency.
Musiala is about to play his third tournament as a national player. At the last European Championship finals in 2021, he was the trainee in the DFB team, having just come of age. “Bambi” was his nickname at the Adidas “Home Ground” in Herzogenaurach, where the DFB entourage lives and trains again this time. “A lot has happened in the three years,” said Musiala.
“I’m a regular player now”
In the German 26-man squad for the opening match this Friday (9 p.m./ZDF and MagentaTV) in Munich against Scotland, he is a permanent part of national coach Julian Nagelsmann’s dream eleven and a beacon of hope in the offensive. “I’m playing a lot more now. I’m a regular player now,” said Musiala confidently: “I think I’ve already made a lot of big steps forward and improved my whole game.”
Three years ago, the then national coach Joachim Löw only brought him on for the first time in the 82nd minute of the 2-2 draw in the last group match against Hungary. Musiala had barely been on the pitch when he was involved in Leon Goretzka’s important equaliser. In the round of 16 elimination against England, he nevertheless only came on in injury time for his Bayern colleague Thomas Müller in the 0-2 defeat at Wembley Stadium. “I didn’t get many minutes at the 2021 European Championship. But just being there was a great honour,” he said looking back.
Waiting for the first tournament goal
At his first World Cup in Qatar in 2022, Musiala was in the starting line-up under Löw’s successor Hansi Flick in all three group matches against Japan (1:2), Spain (1:1) and Costa Rica (4:2). The then 19-year-old was an asset with his dribbling. But he remained goalless. He still has to work on his effectiveness in the national jersey. 29 international matches, two goals – the result does not match the talent and effort of the highly gifted player.
That should change in his third tournament. Musiala doesn’t want to be a follower, but wants to play an important role in the team by scoring goals and providing assists. “I have more responsibility now, which is what I wanted. That was my goal. That also means a bit more pressure. But that comes with the player I want to be,” said Musiala. “Bambi” was once upon a time.
Source: Stern
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