With Musiala and Karl: Matthäus sees Bayern on the verge of the next leap in quality | OneFootball

FC Bayern can soon look forward to a comeback that will change the entire statics of the team: Jamal Musiala is working flat out on his return. For record international Lothar Matthäus, it is clear that the 22-year-old will add even more quality in Munich’s current phase of success. But shooting star Lennart Karl also plays a central role in his assessment

As Munich prepare for the international’s possible comeback in the test against RB Salzburg on 6 January, Lothar Matthäus is sharpening his focus on what Musiala can bring to the team. „Musiala is a player who will take Bayern to the next level,“ said the TV pundit in an interview with RTL: „He’s a difference-maker.“

Matthäus recalls the bitter moments of the pre-season when Musiala was ruled out with a torn muscle bundle in the spring. The attacking artist’s creative impact was particularly lacking in the Champions League quarter-final against Inter Milan, where FC Bayern were eliminated. It was the moment, says Matthäus, „when you could see that you would have liked to have Musiala there“

After breaking his fibula, Musiala is now working hard on his return and his individual class is seen as a fixed factor for the second half of the season – a comeback that could give Bayern, who are already stable, even more variability and unpredictability

Karl is enthusiastic – but Matthäus warns against exaggeration

Until Musiala is back on the pitch, another player has taken over the stage: Lennart Karl. The 17-year-old inspires week after week with goals, dribbles and an astonishing maturity – and Matthäus sees in him the potential to take on the same role that Musiala already fulfills

„Lennart Karl has put in outstanding performances. He has become a fan favourite, he scores, dribbles, makes good plays,“ enthuses Matthäus. The record international recognizes Karl’s dynamism and determination as the profile of a player „who can become a difference-maker“

At the same time, he urges patience: „Just leave him alone for a bit, he will develop.“ The hype surrounding Karl is understandable, but you also have to manage the pressure on a 17-year-old

For Matthäus, one thing is certain: if the youngster confirms his form, he is a must-have candidate for the 2026 World Cup. „Then there’s no way around him,“ said the expert, referring to national coach Julian Nagelsmann

Matthäus isn’t worried about overconfidence or taking off, as the people accompanying him are too experienced for that: „He has good management in Michael Ballack, and he has experienced and successful teammates at FC Bayern. He’s in very good hands there.“

Karl, who recently shone with three goals in two games for the German U21 team, now has five goals and two assists in 18 competitive matches for Munich – and remains the discovery of the season.