Jamal Musiala (R) of Bayern Munich controls the ball under the defense from Adis Omerbasic of Dueren during their German Cup first round match in Munich, Germany, Oct. 15, 2020. Bayern Munich won 3-0 and advanced into the second round matches. (Photo by Philippe Ruiz/Xinhua)
17-year-old Jamal Musiala is taking the opportunity to make his mark on Bayern Munich's future plan.
By Oliver Trust
BERLIN, Dec. 6 (Xinhua) -- The surprising improvement of a rising star is securing Bayern Munich's position at the top of the Bundesliga.
While the Bavarian side is going through tough times as most of Europe's top sides are due to a tight schedule, 17-year-old Jamal Musiala is taking the opportunity to make his mark on the big stage.
The precocious Stuttgart-born midfielder is helping to keep the reigning German champion on track.
Due to his mother's background, the talented youngster played for Southampton and Chelsea before joining the Munich team in 2019 after making his way into English national youth teams.
Musial's rise might influence Bayern's future staffing policy as it is on its way to preparing for the next few years and installing a new generation.
Rumors talk about established defenders such as David Alaba and Jerome Boateng possibly leaving after this season while gaps in midfield remain to be filled.
Media reports talk of Bayern's interest in Moenchengladbach midfielders Florian Neuhaus and Denis Zakaria as well as Leipzig defender Dayot Upamecano.
While new Bayern arrival Leroy Sane is delivering inconsistent performances, and team leader Joshua Kimmich is side-lined due to an injury, Musiala and Coman have developed into driving forces.
After Bayern secured its place in the Champions League last 16, coach Hansi Flick announced the Bundesliga's top spot is the primary target until the short winter break at end of December.
COMAN
The Frenchman is Bayern's current first choice winger ahead of Serge Gnabry and former Citizens star Sane.
Bayern coach Flick has praised his precision, exceptional quality, and determination. After scoring the winning goal in the 2020 Champions League final against Paris, the 24-year-old has scored five goals and delivered seven assists.
All three assists leading to Bayern goals in the league encounter against RB Leipzig (3-3) came from Coman.
MUSICAL
In September, he became Bayern's youngest Bundesliga scorer at 17 years 6 months, and 23 days.
After the duel against Leipzig, Flick said the midfielder is leading his side back to stability. "Thanks to his contribution, we could regain control in midfield," the 55-year-old said.
Flick called Musiala a young player capable of performing brilliantly.
MUELLER
The 31-year-old seems irreplaceable as the team's on-field coach. In times of games behind closed doors, his instructions can be heard clearly.
"Can anyone by any chance take responsibility," the striker shouted when Bayern struggled in the early minutes against Leipzig.
"The teammates want me to act like that. To do some on-field coaching is keeping me fully focused," the Bavarian idol said after scoring twice against RB.
Mueller's ambitions allow Bayern to always strike back despite the team's weaknesses in defense (16 conceded goals). "At present, we have some difficulties, but the team has the quality to get along and solve the problems," Mueller stated. ■
