Bayern Munich splashed out €53 million to sign Michael Olise, a 21-year-old talent whose potential remains to be seen. Yet, reuniting with familiar faces is the first reward—Olise has faced Harry Kane in the Premier League and worked with Jamal Musiala in Chelsea’s youth team. While comparing the new arrival to established stars like Kane and Musiala might be premature, it’s worth noting that both have become centi-million-euro players, especially Musiala, whose market value skyrocketed to €1.3 billion post-Euro 2024, with Transfermarkt estimating his peak value at €1.6 billion.
Germany’s national team may not have won the Euro 2024 title on home soil, but losing to eventual champions Spain was an honorable defeat. The retiring Toni Kroos left a legacy of precision passing, but the standout for Germany was 21-year-old Musiala. He was Germany’s sole representative in the tournament's best XI, earning his spot with 3 goals in 5 starts, sharing the Golden Boot with 5 other players. Musiala’s efficiency was unmatched, scoring 3 goals from just 4 shots on target, complemented by 4 chances created, 11 successful dribbles, and 12 ball recoveries.
Despite Spain's captain Alvaro Morata’s claim that “Musiala being better than Yamal is just marketing,” Lothar Matthäus’s praise carries more weight: “Musiala shares many traits with Maradona—they both navigate tight spaces with ease, understanding the game and finding solutions even in the most confined areas.”
Musiala's focus isn’t swayed by comparisons; his modesty and clarity stem from a solid upbringing. Describing himself as a reserved person, he remains unperturbed by comparisons with Messi, stating, “It’s almost an impossible task. I just do my thing year after year and strive to get better to win trophies for my team.”
Musiala is an atypical German player, preferring to face the goal head-on with a knack for dribbling that captivates audiences. This was evident in the Euros against Spain, where he was twice hugged by opponents. His prowess was also showcased in the 2022-23 Champions League last-16 against PSG, where he attempted 21 dribbles, succeeding 14 times. He shared the Bundesliga dribbling crown in 2022-23 with 77 successful dribbles and achieved 11 successful dribbles against Darmstadt in the 2023-24 season. His 12 successful dribbles in a single World Cup match set a record for U-20 players since 1966.
Musiala credits his dribbling skills to inspirations like Zidane, Messi, and Neymar, but it was practicing around cones that honed his technique. Jamie Carragher’s praise, “Few can dribble like him,” attests to Musiala’s unique talent.
Although he didn’t clinch the Euro 2024 dribbling crown, his near-competition with Doku (34 successful dribbles) underscores his prowess. His market value surged €10 million post-Euros, making him the seventh most valuable player in football today.
Chelsea's loss was Bayern's gain, acquiring Musiala for just €200,000 five years ago. His stats—163 appearances, 43 goals, and 31 assists for Bayern—illustrate his rapid rise. Bayern’s statement, “We want him to stay with us for a long time,” underscores his value. With Manchester City eyeing Musiala as a potential De Bruyne successor, Bayern reportedly plans a €20 million annual salary extension to secure their gem.
Bayern's strategy of nurturing talent like Musiala has shifted their recruitment focus. Club president Herbert Hainer stated, “We must bring talented youngsters into Bayern’s youth system early to ensure they grow into first-team options.” While Bayern’s €200,000 discovery may be a thing of the past, the club’s investment in nurturing Musiala is paying off handsomely.
Musiala’s goal isn’t individual glory but team success. He remains humble, focusing on continuous improvement. His performance against top teams like Barcelona and Real Madrid, creating chances and excelling in dribbles, highlights his consistency and brilliance. UEFA’s technical observer group’s appraisal, “Musiala’s movement, balance, energy, and enthusiasm were eye-catching,” captures his impact.
With 38 appearances, 12 goals, and 8 assists for Bayern last season, Musiala aims for more in the upcoming season. His potential remains untapped, promising a bright future for both player and club.
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