Bayern Munich’s Jamal Musiala in awe of vice-captain and role model Thomas Muller

In an interview with Sport Bild (as captured by Tz), Bayern Munich youngster Jamal Musiala went into raptures about team vice-captain Thomas Muller. Having broken into the first-team this season, the 18-year-old has impressed practically whenever he has seen the field under coach Hansi Flick.

Xinhua/Augusto Casasoli via Getty Images

Not long ago, he deputized for Muller, who was recovering from COVID-19 illness at the time, and delivered resounding performances as an attacking-midfielder against Lazio and Koln. Now that Muller is fully fit again, the Stuttgart-born player will find it hard to receive minutes in his natural position. But Musiala doesn’t perceive this as a hurdle in his development, at all. On the contrary, he is relishing the opportunity of learning from his mentor.

“No, no, I’m not a competitor of Thomas,” Musiala replied, when asked if he sees himself in a ‘duel’ with Der Raumdeuter. “He is one of the best #10s in the world, and I can learn a lot from him. I don’t see any disadvantage for me.”

Musiala is a man of many talents and so far, he has equally impressed playing outside of his primary position, whether in central-midfield or on the wide areas. Moreover, this versatility has and will continue to help coach Flick to provide Musiala with consistent chances, something the 18-year-old also believes in — “I’ll get my assignments, and I’m very flexible in terms of my position.”

Be it newly promoted youngsters or superstar signings, dressing room leader Muller has always helped in the integration of new members. Musiala too, has rejoiced under the mentorship of the 2014 World Cup winner. The “Bambi”-nicknamed teen expressed his gratitude to Muller for taking him under his wing and being always available to show him the way.

“Thomas helps me enormously,” acknowledged the soon-to-be German international. “I’m very grateful that I get to learn from him in every training session and game, and that he always has an open ear for me.”

He further disclosed a text message he received from Muller before the Bavarians’ UEFA Champions League clash with Lazio. “Before the Lazio game, Thomas wrote to me to be brave and wished me luck. That meant a lot to me,” Musiala told Sport Bild, who went on to become Bayern’s youngest UCL goal-scorer in the game.

Photo by ANDREAS GEBERT/POOL/AFP via Getty Images

For the German national team, Musiala is already planned to be called-up by manager Joachim Low. But recently, the Bundestrainer has changed his stance regarding Muller and hinted at bringing back the attacking-midfielder for the upcoming Euros.

When posed a similar question, that if there is a possibility of a clash of positions with Muller in the national team as well, Musiala declared, “I would be happy to play a European Championship with Thomas.”

Without doubt, Musiala’s down-to-earth personality and his quality of learning from superiors will be his golden ticket to a roaring success.