Who is Leonard Prescott? 16-year-old could make Bayern Champions League debut against Atalanta | OneFootball

Bayern Munich could turn to 16-year-old Leonard Prescott for a Champions League debut against Atalanta on Wednesday, with injuries depleting their goalkeeping ranks.

Manuel Neuer has a calf strain and Jonas Urbig sustained a concussion, so Sven Ulreich started the 1-1 draw with Bayer Leverkusen at the weekend but tore a muscle bundle. Bild claims that he could be sidelined for six weeks.

Fourth-choice Leon Klanac, 19, is also out with a thigh injury, leaving Prescott next in line for the second leg of the round of 16. With Bayern 6-1 up from the first leg, Urbig will be assessed close to kick-off and is unlikely to be risked if not fully fit. Kicker reports that the coaching staff have full confidence in the teenager.

Born in New York and a dual national, Prescott came through Union Berlin’s youth system before joining Bayern’s academy in 2023. He has made 16 appearances for the U19s, including four in the UEFA Youth League. Internationally, he has six Germany U17 caps and three at U16.

He was first called up to the senior squad for the first leg against Atalanta, then took a place on the bench for the Leverkusen draw. Bundesliga.com states that Bayern U19 coach Peter Gaydarov has praised his technical ability, courage and maturity for his age. Prescott has even worked as a ball boy at the Allianz Arena behind Neuer’s goal to study his idol’s technique.

Source: BuLi News