A duo that can lead to Germany very far away. Both scored in the opening of the Euro Cupin the 5-1 defeat of Scotland this Friday (14), in Munich, the talented Florian Wirtz and Jamal Musiala, both 21 years old, embody the resurgence of ‘Mannschaft’.
With just two months of age difference, the two have many things in common: quality and a similar role in their teams, with Wirtz at the surprising Bayer Levekrusen and Musiala at the giants Bayern Munich.
‘It’s not just football that unites us’
Wirtz, revelation of the year with the Bundesliga and German Cup champions, and Musiala, trained in Chelsea’s youth teams, speak the same language, both on and off the field.
“It’s not just football that unites us,” said Musiala before the Euros. “We are the same age and have the same interests. He plays ping-pong very well, but also basketball. In the end, we complement each other.”
Kicking off #EURO2024 in style 🖤❤️💛#DFB #GermanFootball #GermanMNT #EURO2024 #GERSCO
📸 DFB/ Philipp Reinhard pic.twitter.com/q0SEf64EZf
— German Football (@DFB_Team_EN) June 14, 2024
The two players, who move through all sectors of the attack, are fundamental to Julian Nagelsmann’s system, which instructs them to change positions to confuse the opposing defense.
A formula that worked for the first two goals against Scotland. Wirtz opened the scoring by appearing from the left to meet a Joshua Kimmich cross and Musiala scored with a firm strike inside the area.
“We both want to win and we need each other to do that,” said Wirtz, who needed more time than his friend to establish himself in the national team after tearing his cruciate ligament in 2021.
‘Enormous talent’
In this environment of healthy competition, Nagelsmann has two players at his disposal who complement each other to make the German attack unpredictable.
“Musiala and Wirtz are two world-class players. They both have enormous talent and a good mentality, they are hardworking, humble and listen”, declared the coach, sensing that the two would score on their debut.
The goals keep on coming 😏#DFB #GermanFootball #GermanMNT #EURO2024 #GERSCO
📸 DFB/ Philipp Reinhard https://t.co/XoFxol0keM pic.twitter.com/vXQ2cRPMnt
— German Football (@DFB_Team_EN) June 14, 2024
At just 21 years old, both are on the top shelf of talents with the potential to become world football stars. Wirtz was named the Bundesliga’s best player after scoring 18 goals and making 20 decisive passes, while Musiala was the most regular player for a struggling Bayern Munich side, with 12 goals and eight assists.
According to the Bavarian press, Bayern wants to sign Wirtz and reproduce the national team’s golden duo. “I think we are currently comfortable at our clubs. But sometimes we joke that it would be cool to play together at a club at a certain time,” said Wirtz, who would like to spend “more time” with Musiala.
But the young Leverkusen player is a wish for Real Madrid. The Spanish club would have him among the candidates to succeed Toni Kroos, who will hang up his boots after the European Championship.
Source: Gazetaesportiva
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