Di Salvo raves about Lennart Karl – and formulates clear expectations | OneFootball

Lennart Karl’s rapid rise continues: after his strong performances for FC Bayern, the 17-year-old has now been called up for the German U21 national team for the first time. DFB coach Antonio Di Salvo revealed on Monday what he expects from the talented attacking player – and what he hopes Karl will do in the coming games.

„He has to integrate, and he will. He should play with confidence and show what he shows at Bayern with us,“ explained Di Salvo at the press conference ahead of the upcoming European Championship qualifiers against Malta and Georgia.

Karl is regarded as one of German soccer’s greatest hopes, and this season the youngster has impressed not only with his courage but also with his effectiveness: he has already scored in both the Bundesliga and the Champions League under coach Vincent Kompany.

Flexible in use – Karl as a U21 all-rounder

photo: IMAGO/DeFodi Images

Di Salvo particularly praised the Bayern talent’s variability: „I expect Lennart to be able to transfer the style he is now showing at Bayern to us. He is already very flexible, sometimes on the wing, sometimes in the half-right position. These are positions that I also have in mind for Lennart at the U21s.“

Karl had already impressively demonstrated his attacking qualities in the U17 national team – with seven goals and six assists in 13 games. Now he should also bring his strengths to bear at U21 level.

U21 under pressure – Karl as the new hope

After the 3:2 defeat against Greece in October, the DFB team is under pressure in the European Championship qualifiers, so every point counts in the upcoming games if they are not to jeopardize their participation in the 2027 European Championships in Serbia and Albania – and thus their chance of an Olympic ticket for Los Angeles 2028.

Germany will first host Malta in Fürth on Friday, before taking on Georgia in Tbilisi four days later. Karl and Co. will go into the games as favourites – and Di Salvo will be hoping that the youngster brings his impressive Bayern momentum with him into the DFB jersey.