Who will be Nagelsmann’s joker? Matthäus backs Bayern star Karl | OneFootball

The competition for a place in Germany’s World Cup squad is slowly gathering pace. German coach Julian Nagelsmann has recently spoken openly about possible options – including Bayern youngster Lennart Karl. TV pundit Lothar Matthäus even believes the 18-year-old has a special role to play at the tournament

In an interview with kicker, Nagelsmann spoke at length about his thoughts on squad planning for the World Cup in the USA, Canada and Mexico, with the national team coach also taking a closer look at young players who have come to the fore with strong performances

One of these candidates is Lennart Karl from FC Bayern, an attacking player who has attracted attention on several occasions this season but is still waiting to make his debut for the DFB team

Nagelsmann sees great potential

Nevertheless, Nagelsmann believes the 18-year-old has the potential to play a role in the national team. „Lennart had a super stable time. Now he’s struggling a bit – also because Jamal Musiala is fit again and he often gets substitute time,“ explained the national coach

Nagelsmann particularly likes Karl’s profile: the winger is difficult to defend against, often goes one-on-one and likes to move inside from the right onto his strong left foot

At the same time, the 38-year-old made it clear that a World Cup nomination does not automatically have to be linked with a regular place at FC Bayern. Rather, it is crucial that young players gain self-confidence and rhythm

„He must not come to us and then be the gray mouse,“ emphasized Nagelsmann, adding that Karl should rather bring his youthful freshness and carefree attitude to the team

Matthäus sees Karl as having an advantage

photo: IMAGO

Another young attacking player is also the focus of discussion: Said El Mala from 1. FC Köln. The 19-year-old has already been directly involved in twelve goals this season, but is also still waiting for his debut in the DFB team

For Lothar Matthäus, however, Karl is currently ahead in the direct comparison. The record international sees the Bayern talent as having the greater potential for a role in the World Cup squad. „Lennart Karl has that certain extra something, similar to Odonkor at the 2006 World Cup,“ Matthäus explained in his column for Sky. Back then, David Odonkor provided important impetus for the German team as a quick joker

Although Karl has other qualities, he has already shown signs of his ability at the highest international level, which is why Matthäus believes the Bayern youngster is currently „one step ahead“