Bright stars: Germany’s Jamal Musiala celebrates after scoring their first goal with Ilkay Gundogan against Hungary. — Reuters
STUTTGART: Germany captain Ilkay Gundogan lauded forward Jamal Musiala after Wednesday’s 2-0 win over Hungary, calling him “incredible” and “a joy to play with”.
Musiala turned in an assist from Gundogan to open the scoring in the first half and then played a key role in creating a match-sealing goal for his captain in the second.
The 21-year-old also scored a goal and was named man of the match in Germany’s 5-1 tournament-opening win against Scotland on Friday.
Speaking Wednesday, Gundogan lavished praise on Musiala, who was playing in his city of birth in German colours for just the second time.
“For me he’s incredible. It’s such a joy to play with him. He’s someone who can do the unexpected in every single situation and is such a difference-maker for our team.
“He is maybe the most important one at the moment for us and at such a young age as well, especially when it comes to creating, putting in the final pass and scoring goals which is something he’s added to his game as well.”
Germany and Real Madrid defender Antonio Ruediger, who has played alongside some of the best in the game, lauded the “great” Musiala after the match.
“This guy, he’s very good.
“His dribbling and everything, he takes risks in certain situations but it’s OK, that’s why we defenders are there.
“He’s phenomenal.”
Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann also praised the young attacker, while revealing how he has guided Musiala through his young career.
Nagelsmann coached Musiala at club side Bayern Munich, before taking over as Germany boss last September.
“I have had a lot of meetings with Jamal at Bayern and now,” the coach said, revealing his advice to the young attacker.
“He just should play like he’s on any small pitch, anywhere, everywhere in Germany or England.
“He should think about playing with his friends and not think about the pressure. He did a brilliant job today as he did against the Scottish.”
Musiala represented England as a teenager alongside current superstar Jude Bellingham, but chose to represent Germany in 2021 aged 18 after his move to Bayern Munich.
After Germany were eliminated at the group stage for the second straight World Cup in Qatar, Musiala – one of the few shining lights – was held up as an example of why the country needed to overhaul its player development system.
Musiala had played for Germany in Stuttgart before, coming off the bench in a 6-0 drubbing of Armenia with the stadium only a third full due to Covid restrictions.
This time however he was showered with rapturous applause when subbed off with 18 minutes remaining. It felt like Germany’s brightest jewel had truly arrived – and with it, the home side’s hopes of a fourth Euros crown. — AFP
