Germany and Köln legend believes Said El Mala could "become a truly special player" | OneFootball

At just 19, Said El Mala has fought his way into 1. FC Köln's starting lineup and earned his first call-up to Germany's senior national team.

Germany and Köln legend Wolfgang Overath has followed the young attacker with keen interest and believes a bright future awaits him – if he plays his cards right.

“With the dynamism he carries the ball with, he doesn’t stumble, he cuts inside, takes the shot and scores. If he keeps a level head, he has the potential to become a truly special player," Overath told Krone Zeitung.

According to Overath, both El Mala and Bayern's Lennart Karl, 17, could play a role at next year's World Cup despite their young age.

"Hopefully, he can handle all the hype that’s surrounding him right now," Overath added.

“The same goes for the young [Lennart] Karl at Bayern Munich. There’s no such thing as too young – I was already in the national team at 19, just like [Franz] Beckenbauer," said Overath, who won the World Cup with Germany in 1974.

El Mala has scored six goals and provided three assists in 17 matches for 1. FC Köln this season.