Team representing the country - Musiala's Updated Role in the European Championship: "Not Simply a Typical Young Athlete"
Prior to the beginning of the home European Championship, Bayern Munich's young phenom, Jamal Musiala, reflects on his remarkable journey with the German national team with a sense of satisfaction. "I'm not just a typical young player anymore," the 21-year-old offensive player told the German Press Agency.
About to participate in his third tournament as a national player, at the last European Championship in 2021, Musiala was still a novice to the DFB team, just turning 18 years old. "A lot has transpired in the last three years," Musiala noted.
"I'm a frequent starter now"
In the German 26-player squad for the opening match on Friday (9 p.m./ZDF and MagentaTV) in Munich against Scotland, he is a mainstay in Nagelsmann's plans and a potential contributor in the attack. "I'm leading the charge more often now. I'm a consistent starter," said Musiala assuredly: "I think I've made great strides forward and upgraded my overall game."
Three years ago, former national coach Joachim Löw introduced him to his first national team appearance as a substitute in the 2-2 draw against Hungary in the 82nd minute. Musiala contributed to Leon Goretzka's tying goal. In the round of 16 against England, he was later brought in for his Bayern colleague Thomas Müller in the game's final moments at Wembley Stadium. "I didn't get much playing time at the 2021 European Championship. But just being there was already an incredible honor," Musiala recalled.
Still in search of his first tournament goal
At the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, he suited up for all three group games against Japan (1:2), Spain (1:1), and Costa Rica (4:2) under Löw's successor Hansi Flick. The then 19-year-old was a menace with his dribbling skills. But he remained scoreless. He still needs to refine his efficiency in the national team. 29 international matches, two goals - the return does not align with the talent and effort of the highly gifted athlete.
He wants to change that at his third tournament. Musiala has his sights set on a significant role in the team, with goals and assists. "I have more responsibility now, which is what I desired. That also implies a bit more pressure. But that comes with the player I wish to become," said Musiala. "Bambi" was once a nickname.
Read also:
- Jamal Musiala, hailing from FC Bayern Munich, has had a notable journey with the German national team, expressing satisfaction before the upcoming European Championship in Germany.
- Musiala, now 21, will be participating in his third tournament with the DFB team, having debuted at the age of 18 during the last European Championship.
- Playing a significant role in Nagelsmann's plans, Musiala is set to contribute in the attack for Bayern, having established himself as a consistent starter in the German team.
- The 26-player squad for the opening match in Munich against Scotland includes Musiala, who has grown from a novice to a crucial player under Nagelsmann's guidance.
- Reminiscing about his debut, Musiala shared his experiences fiscalizing his introduction to the national team by Joachim Löw in a substitute appearance against Hungary in the 2021 European Championship.
- Musiala played a part in Leon Goretzka's tying goal against Hungary and was brought in to replace Thomas Müller in the game's final moments against England at Wembley Stadium.
- Despite his young age, Musiala acknowledges that he did not get much playing time at the European Championship in 2021 but considers just being a part of the team an honorable experience.
- Musiala appeared in all three matches at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, under Hansi Flick, but remains scoreless, with just two goals to show for his 29 international appearances with the national team.
- With a desire for more responsibility and pressure, Musiala aims to make a significant impact in his third tournament, targeting goals and assists as he strives toward becoming the player he aspires to be.
- Musiala's adidas sponsorship and his home city of Munich are sources of motivation and pride as he represents Bavaria and the nation in the Bundesliga and the German national team.
- Musiala is eying a potential Bambi award, symbolizing his success in German sports, as he continues to make strides in his career and inspire future generations of young talents.
