Bayern Munich defend ‘world class’ Jamal Musiala after ‘absurd’ criticism

Bayern Munich sporting director Christoph Freund has defended Jamal Musiala after former Germany international Dietmar Hamann labelled him a “solo entertainer.”

Hamann, 51, is a regular pundit on German football and is known for his outspoken views on the game, most recently taking aim at 21-year-old Musiala and comparing him to Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz.

In a column for Sky Germany, the former Bayern, Liverpool and Manchester City midfielder said: “Musiala is a solo entertainer. If I could swap (Florian) Wirtz and Musiala from Bayern’s point of view, I would do it tomorrow.”

Freund responded: “Why is he being criticised? I find it a bit absurd and far-fetched to think that someone has such an opinion. In other countries, such young players with such potential would be highly praised and you are grateful to have such players for your country.

“We at FC Bayern are extremely happy to have such a player with us. Jamal Musiala is world-class. A truly exceptional player. Jamal is a player that spectators go to the stadium to watch because of how he plays football.

“He decides games, but he is absolutely a team player. He is exceptional. He can become one of the best players in the world. Both FC Bayern and Germany can count themselves lucky to have him.”

Musiala moved to Germany in 2019 from Chelsea and has grown into one of the world’s most exciting attacking talents and a key player for Bayern.

He scored 12 goals and provided eight assists in 38 games last season, in addition to several starring performances at Euro 2024. Musiala was the tournament’s joint-top scorer with three goals, helping his side reach the quarter-finals of the competition.

Days before Hamann’s comments, he scored a goal and provided three assists in Germany’s 5-0 victory over Hungary in the UEFA Nations League.

(Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images)