Bayern Munich stalwart Joshua Kimmich has lavished praise on team-mate Jamal Musiala, whom he predicts will become world class one day.
The teenage talent enjoyed a breakthrough 2020/21 which culminated in him making 37 appearances across all competitions and scoring seven goals as the Bavarians clinched a ninth straight Bundesliga title, with Joachim Low also calling him up to Germany’s squad for Euro 2020.
A tug-of-war ensued between England and Germany for Musiala’s allegiance, with the 18-year-old previously turning out for the Three Lions at youth level, but the Stuttgart-born midfielder opted for the nation of his birth, collecting five caps to date as a result.
He has already made a positive start to Julian Nagelsmann’s tenure, starting the previous two games, and scoring in both. Musiala opened his account for 2021/22 after netting a brace in the 12-0 thrashing of fifth-tier Bremer SV in the DFB-Pokal first round, before netting in the 5-0 win over Hertha on Saturday.
Much more is expected to come from Musiala, who was also called up to Hansi Flick’s Germany squad for this month’s World Cup Qualifiers, in which Die Mannschaft take on Liechtenstein, Armenia and Iceland, and Kimmich believes his teenage team-mate will become world class in the not-too-distant future.
Kimmich told Bayern’s official website: “Like me, most of us still have our best years ahead of us – and everybody would like to have players like Manuel Neuer, Thomas Muller or Robert Lewandowski in their team.
“When I see Jamal Musiala – who’s already really good but can really become world class – or also a Tanguy Nianzou with great potential, we can all take another step here and also have a good foundation for the next years to be able to achieve the highest goals.”
Kimmich was not alone in his effusive assessment of Germany’s latest gem, with Bayern boss Nagelsmann also a huge fan of the youngster, saying he has his complete trust in Musiala and predicts an “an outstanding career” for him.
Nagelsmann said: “He has unbelievable potential.
“It’s extraordinary. He has great finishing qualities. Unbelievable attacking qualities also in his dribbling with the ball.
“He justified my trust [in him]. He’s doing very well. He has the basis for an outstanding career.”