Jurgen Klinsmann, Mauricio Pochettino and Peter Schmeichel hailed former Chelsea academy star Jamal Musiala as he continued to impress for Germany at the World Cup.
Musiala helped Germany draw 1-1 with Spain on Sunday night and keep their World Cup hopes alive, although Hansi Flick’s side will still need to beat Costa Rica in their final group game to progress to the knockout stages.
Klinsmann, Pochettino and Schmeichel were all impressed by Musiala’s performance, calling him ‘one of the most talented young players’ in the world.
The 19-year-old has established himself as a key member of Bayern Munich’s squad after leaving Chelsea in 2019.
The midfielder spent almost a decade in Chelsea’s academy and represented England U15 before heading to Germany three years ago.
Following Germany’s vital draw with Spain, former Germany boss Klinsmann told BBC One: ‘I think Musiala was the outstanding player for Germany at such a young age. He’s full of surprising elements, he’s not scared.
‘He is a fantastic young player that grows through the Bayern system. It’s his first World Cup and he will only grow more and more.’
Ex-Manchester United goalkeeper Schmeichel added: ‘The one that really caught my eye was Musiala, what a great player he promises to be.’
Former Paris Saint-Germain and Tottenham manager Pochettino also singled out Musiala for praise, saying: ‘For me he is one of the most talented young players.
‘With Gavi, with Bellingham, Pedri, he’s a massive talent. I think he’s going to grow during the World Cup. I think Germany can surprise.’
Following Sunday’s games, Spain sit top of Group E with four points out of a possible six. They face Japan in their final group game, who followed an incredible win over Germany with a disappointing defeat to Costa Rica.
Discussing Germany’s draw with Spain, Old Trafford legend Schmeichel added: ‘I think we were treated to a great game of football.
‘The players who played gave everything, a lot of fantastic play especially by Spain. Germany also had some really good moves.
‘I also have to say that the referee helped the game, he let things go and it became a much, much better game because of that.
‘At the end of the day, the result is a fair reflection of what we’ve seen today. Two of the best teams in the footballing world and Germany very much improved from what we saw against Japan.
‘They looked solid in the way they defended and in control up against a team who humiliated Costa Rica. We didn’t see any opportunities like Spain had against Costa Rica today.’
Schmeichel expects both Spain and Germany to advance from Group E, adding: ‘I’m impressed. I expect both of these teams to go through now.
‘Once they get past the group stage we all know that it becomes a different tournament for the teams and they approach it in a different way. There’s every opportunity to improve.’
Germany have won four World Cups but former manager Klinsmann does not see the team as major contenders in Qatar.
‘I would be surprised if Germany are challenging for the trophy,’ the 58-year-old said.
‘It would be huge if they could get to the semi-finals but I think challenging for the trophy is reserved for other teams.’
Pochettino, meanwhile, questioned Spain’s World Cup credentials after they were held by Germany.
The Argentine said: ‘I am a little bit worried about Spain now. I saw some weaknesses today.
‘When they were put under pressure by the high Germany press they struggled to find solutions and there were some mistakes.’
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