“He plays like he’s on the local pitch”: Karl likens Hamann to Ribery | OneFootball

Lennart Karl's spectacular performance in the Champions League against Club Brugge has not only thrilled fans and teammates – TV expert Dietmar Hamann is also full of praise. In his Sky column, the former Bayern professional praised the 17-year-old in the highest terms and made a special comparison: Karl reminds him of none other than Franck Ribéry.

Hamann was impressed by the ease and maturity with which Karl performs among the greats. “For someone not even 18 years old to play at this level in the Champions League is not a given and shows that Karl is highly talented,” explained the Sky expert.

Hamann was particularly taken by the offensive talent's bold style of play: “He plays carefree, as if he were on the playground. In one-on-one situations, he is incredibly difficult to stop. He keeps trying, even if he gets stuck sometimes. That kind of play benefits any team.”

Then came the highest praise: “He is an incredibly interesting player, and he reminds me of Franck Ribéry in his manner.”

For Hamann, Karl embodies exactly the mix of technique, courage, and joy of playing that once made the French fan favorite a favorite at Säbener Straße.

Kompany can no longer "hide" Karl

Photo: IMAGO

Hamann is convinced that after his stellar performance against Brugge, Karl will play a permanent role in Bayern's plans. “Vincent Kompany kept Karl hidden for a while, but after his performance and goal against Brugge, he can no longer hide him in the future,” said Hamann.

Especially in tight games, the 17-year-old could become a weapon in the future: “If Bayern needs a goal half an hour before the end, the coach will bring him on and will have to. He is also an option for the starting eleven if someone gets injured, as Bayern's squad is not too large.”

“A beacon of hope for Bayern and German football”

Hamann sees Karl not only as a great promise for the future of FC Bayern but also for German football overall: “Karl is one of the beacons of hope, not just for FC Bayern, but also for German football.”

At the same time, the former national player advises patience: “Could he be a candidate for the national team? He has only started once in the Champions League. We have to wait and see what happens in seven or eight months. I would be cautious and keep expectations in check for now.”

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇩🇪 here.