„Brutal quality“: Bayern youngster Karl convinces Nagelsmann straight away | OneFootball

Lennart Karl continues to cause a sensation – and has now also made a real statement in the German national team jersey. The Bayern youngster has impressed across the board in his first appearances and is being celebrated from all sides

At the start of the 2026 World Cup, the 18-year-old immediately became one of the big winners in the DFB team. Karl came off the bench against Switzerland and in the 2:1 win over Ghana – and immediately brought a breath of fresh air into the attacking play

Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann was also impressed after his first impressions: „Of all the young players we have nominated over the years, he has made one of the best impressions,“ explained the 38-year-old

Karl’s style of play was particularly impressive: „He made a great impression. Cheeky, but also humble.“ His ability to recognize spaces and move intelligently was exceptional. „He has a natural ability to stand well and move in space.“

This confirms the offensive player’s rapid rise from campus talent to a serious factor in the DFB team

„A bit Ribéry-like“

photo: IMAGO

Teammate Deniz Undav was even more explicit – and drew a remarkable comparison: „A bit Ribéry-like,“ said the striker, describing the Bayern youngster’s style of play

Undav went into raptures: „He’s a brutal player. He’s so ruthless even at that age, he’s cheeky when he plays and brings a good freshness with him.“

His mixture of self-confidence and down-to-earth attitude is particularly remarkable: „He has enough humility and is a fine guy.“

It has long been clear to many observers that Karl is not just a short-term hope. Undav put it in a nutshell: „Lennart will be fun for us for a very, very long time.“

The international only sees potential for development off the pitch – albeit with a twinkle in his eye: „I still have to get him to loosen up a bit.“

One thing is clear: with his first appearances in a DFB jersey, Lennart Karl has impressively proven that he has a great future ahead of him, not only at FC Bayern but also internationally.