An outstanding performance from Jamal Musiala as Germany beat Scotland 5-1 in the opening fixture of Euro 2024 established the attacker as one of the key players to keep an eye on in this summer’s tournament. Here is a look into the young talent’s exciting influence within a strong German side.
Germany opened their 2024 European Championship campaign in ruthless fashion on home soil, as they thumped Scotland 5-1 in Munich on Friday. Wirtz opened the scoring just 10 minutes in as the German side established early territorial dominance in Scotland’s defensive third. Musiala’s doubler ripped through Scotland’s backline and fiercely struck the back of the net, less than 10 minutes later. Before the half Scotland found themselves down to 10, with the hosts getting a third from a spot kick. Already dictating the game, beaming with confidence, Germany did not hold back on a struggling Scottish side by netting a further two goals courtesy of Füllkrug and Can. A defensive error late on from Germany meant that Scotland closed the gap slightly, but it was too little too late, as the hosts came away from the fixture with a boldness which has caught the eye of Europe.
Having struggled through their transitional period, as Nagelsmann became head coach in September, this result has reignited the spark in the team and the energy within the fans. Nagelsmann began with a draw to Mexico and losses to Turkey and Austria; fans were still not 100% convinced even with wins over the Netherlands and France coming into the tournament, yet Friday’s result has brought the ‘buzz’ back to the fans, well needed after an unsuccessful Qatar 2022 World Cup which saw Die Mannschaft exit in the group stages under the lead of Hansi Flick.
This campaign, Germany named many exciting prospects in their final 26, from the likes of veteran Toni Kroos, playing the final piece of his astounding footballing career, the ever-vigorous Rudiger, Kai Havertz leading the line, to the excellent Wirtz. However, it is Jamal Musiala who is arguably Germany’s most exciting star this summer, his flare and technical excellence is cementing his importance to the team and putting him in early contention for player of the tournament, at just 21 years old.
Signed by Bayern Munich in August 2019 for £170,000, Musiala found his feet in their senior team just shy of a year later as he became their youngest Bundesliga player, at 17 years and 115 days. Despite Bayern’s tough season, falling short to Leverkusen, the attacker enjoyed a personally successful season and found no trouble linking up with their new arrival Harry Kane. In the previous season, Musiala scored a late winner on the final day to crown Bayern champions, having become a key component of their senior squad at such a young age.
He joined the prestigious side after spending 8 years in Chelsea’s academy having moved from Stuttgart to London at the age of 7. Additionally the forward was a valued member of the England youth set-up, scouted at just 13, having represented the U-15, U-16, U-17 and U-21 teams; he made a connection on the pitch with England’s superstar Jude Bellingham, with both talents singled out as ones to watch for the future. His footballing IQ and effortless yet effective movement on the ball is what established him as a player ‘wise beyond his years’and has stuck and evolved as he has grown as a player. England and Chelsea now look onto the young talent with envious eyes, imagining what could have been, as he opted for footballing life in Germany.
His contribution in Germany’s first game was remarkable. He has established his quality for all of Europe to see, where he bagged a goal, an assist and player of the match. His persistent threat on the Scottish defence provoked their breakdown, and his momentous strike was a moment of magic. His distribution was inch-perfect, flaunting his passing precision as each of his 32 attempted passes reached their intent. If he is beginning his campaign as he means to go on, Europe should tread carefully.
Although the Scots were not the toughest of opponents, Germany have a star on their hands. Musiala linking up at the front with Havertz leading the line and Wirtz to the opposite side means Germany should have no trouble finding the net in their forthcoming fixtures. They face Hungary this evening (Wednesday 19th June), who suffered a harsh 3-1 defeat to Switzerland. Following that the Germans go into their toughest challenge yet against the Swiss on June 23rd. Will Musiala be able to parade his quality here?
Comments