Bundesliga
Magic Musiala tipped for Germany glory
Jamal Musiala's ears must been burning after his latest star turn in Bayern Munich's 5-2 win at Darmstadt.
Thomas Tuchel was about to wrap up his post-match press conference when he was asked for a few closing remarks on the 21-year-old Musiala, who had scored twice, assisted Serge Gnabry and generally dazzled from start to finish at the Merck-Stadion am Böllenfalltor. Before the Bayern head coach could answer, opposite number Torsten Lieberknecht chimed in.
"If you're not directly on the receiving end of him, the youngster's an absolute joy to watch," enthused the Darmstadt tactician. "He's a boon for Bayern, and the national team are so lucky to have a player like him. He's going to lead Germany to glory one day."
Watch: Jamal Musiala - bringing magic to the Bundesliga
High praise indeed, but it's not beyond the realms of possibility that Musiala has his Mario Götze, Kylian Mbappé or Lionel Messi moment in Germany colours as early as this summer's Euros.
Bayern's title-winning saviour on the final day of 2022/23, he's coming into his own at the business end of the current campaign, with nine goal contributions in his last five outings alone (five of his own, plus four assists). The former Chelsea youngster also set a personal record for shots (eight) and league-wide season gold standard for shot involvements (16) in the Darmstadt rout. He even won 19 of his 25 attempted challenges.
"Jamal has been decisive in games time and time again in recent weeks, he's very reliable," acknowledged Tuchel of his 10-goal playmaker in the No.42 jersey. "The mixture between dribbling and passing - in other words, the whole decision-making process - is very good. We'll continue to push him because he's going to be crucial for us."
Bayern still trail unbeaten Bundesliga leaders Bayer Leverkusen by 10 points, but the signs are they will be ready to pounce, if and when Xabi Alonso's charges slip up. There's also the matter of the UEFA Champions League, with English Premier League title candidates Arsenal the next hurdle, at the quarter-final stage, and either holders Manchester City or record winners Real Madrid to come in the last four.
Musiala has won at least one trophy in all four of his seasons with the Bayern first team, beginning with the club's contintental treble under Hansi Flick in 2019/20. In the Germany star's current form - "nigh-on unstoppable," in the words of captain Manuel Neuer - there is every chance that proud personal run will continue as Bayern attempt to chase down Leverkusen whilst stepping up their pursuit of a seventh European crown.