Bayern Munich hoping to find next Jamal Musiala in 17-year-old Lennart Karl | OneFootball

Kicker reports that Bayern Munich attacking prospect Lennart Karl is in line for both a contract extension and significant playing time this season. The Bundesliga record champions feel ready to back the young talent. Despite just being 17-years-of-age, Karl has evidently been guaranteed some minutes this year. Bayern – having had something of a rough summer when it comes to home-grown talent – prepare to make a grand statement.

As part of Bayern’s Club World Cup squad this summer, Karl logged 45 minutes of action as a substitute in Bayern’s opening group stage fixture against Auckland City In Bayern’s recent pre-season friendly against Olympique Lyon, Karl started and served as a placeholder until new signing Luis Diaz was ready to take over on the right wing.

Kicker goes so far as to suggest that Karl will be backing up Michael Olise on FCB head coach Vincent Kompany’s team this season. The teenage talent is, per the magazine, already being advised by Bayern and German national team legend Michael Ballack. FCB Campus director Jochen Sauer – a famous judge of German footballing talent – is quoted extensively in the article.

Karl has spent three years in the Bayern academy.

“Lennart stands out for his high technical level,” Sauer is quoted as saying. “He has brilliant ball control, dribbles without hesitation, and pushes forward. His finishing is outstanding, and he doesn’t get discouraged if he gets stuck two or three times. That’s what FC Bayern needs.”

“He needs to adapt to men’s football with better physical stability and defensive work,” Sauer is nevertheless also quoted as sating. “Although it should be said that his physical presence stands out and his stamina is already top notch.“

The Kicker article jokingly notes that Karl’s lanky build and short stature might leave many “confusing him for a ball-boy“. The piece’s author Frank Linkesch still goes on to label the youngster a “footballing giant“.

Linkesch also notes that Jamal Musiala (another Bayern 17-year-old debutant) drew similar comparisons prior to his rise to stardom, particularly when it came to the matter of a “lanky build”.

For the record, Karl is five inches shorter than Musiala is currently. Nine months short of his 18th birthday, however, there’s still plenty of time for Karl to grow.

GGFN | Peter Weis