More than just a wild card? Nagelsmann’s plans for Lennart Karl at the World Cup | OneFootball

Lennart Karl is one of the most exciting winners of the German national team’s current World Cup preparations. The FC Bayern youngster clearly made an immediate impression on national coach Julian Nagelsmann – and could now even be hoping for a place in the starting eleven

The 18-year-old is one of the biggest shooting stars at FC Bayern. Under Vincent Kompany, Karl already played important minutes for the professionals last season and impressed above all as a dynamic joker. With his strong finishing, his close ball control and his carefree attitude, he repeatedly brought new impetus to Munich’s attacking play

The fact that Kompany even started him at times showed that Bayern already had complete confidence in him, and this development now looks set to continue with the German national team

„The start was exceptionally good“

photo: Getty Images

At the press conference at the start of the World Cup preparations, Julian Nagelsmann spoke strikingly positively about the attacking player. The first impressions of training in particular seem to have impressed the national coach. „The start was exceptionally good. He made an impression very quickly,“ explained Nagelsmann

The DFB coach particularly likes Karl’s flexibility. Nagelsmann sees great potential in the Bayern youngster both centrally behind the striker and on the attacking flanks. „When he plays centrally, he has shorter routes to goal. He can play both positions well,“ continued the national coach

Particularly noteworthy: Nagelsmann made it clear that Karl can influence his playing time at the World Cup himself. „Whether he plays from the start or not is something we discuss with him and he has to show what he needs to on the pitch – so it’s up to him.“

Karl benefits from Gnabry’s absence

The absence of Serge Gnabry through injury has also changed the options in Germany’s attacking play, and Karl could benefit from this

Behind attacker Kai Havertz, the Bayern professional is currently competing for playing time with Leroy Sané and Jamie Leweling, among others. Jamal Musiala and Florian Wirtz, on the other hand, are considered to be set

However, Karl’s carefree attitude in particular could prove extremely valuable for the DFB squad at this tournament, and Nagelsmann already seems to have high hopes for the Bayern talent.