Bayern Munich legend Lothar Matthaus singled out Jamal Musiala for praise after his stunning performance in Germany’s World Cup draw with Spain.
The 19-year-old was a standout player as his side rescued a point near the end to keep their hopes of reaching the knockout stages firmly alive, and drew plaudits for his display, which oozed class throughout.
Ballon d’Or and World Cup winner Matthaus spoke to BBC Sport after the match, and his praise for the teenager could not have been higher.
“He can be the Messi of the future, he is excellent,” Matthaus claimed.
“I have loved him for the last two years, I love his style of football and I love his personality.
“He is 19 years old, he is doing the things that will make him a top footballer. He has great passing, he is clever with his thinking and he loves football.
“Musiala can be the next Messi because when Messi was 17/18 years old, I met him for the first time when he played against Hungary [the team Matthaus managed then] and he got sent off after 40 seconds.
“He came onto the field and tried to show he loves football, he has a passion for football. I have been a big fan of him from two years ago when he first broke through.”
TIF Thoughts on Musiala and Germany…
Whilst comparisons to Messi are almost always futile, the Stuttgart-born midfielder fully showcased why he is one of the best talents in the world right now.
Initially starting on the left, Musiala was electric throughout, providing three key passes, completing four dribbles, winning seven duels and eventually assisting the equaliser as per Statman Dave, who also described the player as “magic”.
It was his drive and determination, combined with outstanding technique, which separated him from the rest, and he was the spark which ultimately helped grab a point when two consecutive defeats to start the tournament looked likely.
If Germany are to recover their initially bleak position and reach the knockout rounds, they will need their young prodigy to step up and lead the team again in a manner not too dissimilar from Messi’s current tournament exploits with Argentina.