Jamal Musiala ‘is one of the best young players in the world with Gavi and Pedri’, claims Mauricio Pochettino – as he heaps praise on the Germany wonderkid, while Jurgen Klinsmann insists the teenager ‘will only get better’
- Germany and Spain played out a draw at the Al Bayt Stadium on Sunday evening
- Jamal Musiala was the stand out performer at the heart of the German midfield
- Mauricio Pochettino says the Bayern star is one of the best young players around
- Jurgen Klinsmann expects Musiala to get even better in the near future
Mauricio Pochettino has heaped praise on Germany midfielder Jamal Musiala following his strong display in the draw with Spain.
Hansi Flick’s side earned a point at the Al Bayt Stadium thanks to Niclas Fullkrug’s thumping strike seven minutes from time.
Musiala was the shining star at the heart of Germany’s midfield and his performance was rewarded with the assist for the goal.
Jamal Musiala was the stand out performer at the heart of the German midfield on Sunday
The Bayern Munich star outshone Spain’s highly-rated Pedri and Gavi and his display did not miss the attention of Pochettino.
The former PSG boss spoke highly of Musiala, claiming he’s one of the best young players in the world alongside the Barcelona pair.
‘For me he is one of the best young players in the world with Gavi and Pedri. He’s a massive talent,’ Pochettino said.
Jurgen Klinsmann mirrored those views as he added: ‘He was the outstanding player for Germany at such a young age.
Mauricio Pochettino believes Musiala is currently one of the best young players in the world
The 19-year-old shone in a midfield battle that also included highly rated duo Pedri and Gavi
‘Musiala is a fantastic young player that grows at Bayern. He will only get better. He will grow even more.’
Germany looked set to pick up their second loss in as many games at this year’s World Cup following Morata’s close range finish shortly after the hour mark.
But Fullkrug made an impact off the bench with a powerful strike 83 minutes in, having taken the ball from Musiala’s feet second earlier.
Pochettino said: ‘Germany are a great team, tough opposition. Today I was a bit worried about Spain, some weakness.
‘When Germany press try to find solutions, there are some problems, some mistakes. In the second half Germany finished the game better.’
Germany sit bottom of their group but they still stand a chance of reaching the last-16
Germany sit at the bottom of Group E but they still stand a chance of reaching the last-16. They must beat Costa Rica to have a chance of going through but that still may not be enough.
If Germany and Spain win, Germany finish second. If Germany win and Spain lose, second place will be decided between Spain and Germany on group goal difference and goals scored.
Germany would have to overturn a deficit of eight goals (if records are identical, second is decided on fair play points).