Jamal Musiala: Winger, deep midfielder & Muller successor?

Musiala explained why he chose Germany over England.

When Musiala left the academy of the Blues in the summer of 2019, he was hoping to get a better deal at the club.

The 18-year-old has racked up 2,099 minutes in the first team with a combined goals and assists tally of 18 - that's an impressive goal contribution every 117 minutes.

Musiala could play against Barcelona on Wednesday, with his side already guaranteed a spot in the last 16.

Why is there so much excitement about a young Germany international who played youth football for England?

The flanks have creativity from them.

Musiala has primarily played as a winger in a 4-2-3-1 formation under the guidance of Hansi Flick and Julian Nagelsmann.

Musiala has a balance between the two styles of wingers, one that likes to drift inside and create and the other that likes to beat full-backs.

Musiala's ability to control the ball in tight spaces and his ability to manipulate it with his feet make him a very strong player.

When he comes off the left wing, he shows off his creativity by cutting back to Leon Goretzka to send Germany into the knockout stages of Euro 2020.

He adds to that threat by using a lovely method of curling the ball with his right foot, giving him another weapon when cutting inside from the left wing.

Musiala's rise in his own words.

A man for many jobs.

Musiala started in the first team at the end of 2020 due to the injury crisis.

Musiala's preferred position has never been central midfield, but he adapted quickly after coming through the academy as a strikers and then being dropped back into a number 10 role.

Musiala's defensive discipline was the theme of the two games he played, winning 11 out of his 16 ground battles.

He was able to impose himself in attack, scoring a long-range strike against Leipzig and being able to outmanoeuvre Saul Niguez and Koke, who struggled to pick up his movement between the lines.

He completed three take-ons against Atleti in 76 minutes and stood up to the aggressive off-the-ball approach of Diego Simeone by showing security in possession with a 92% pass accuracy.

Musiala has shown his ability to play in a variety of positions since he was the number 10 in the 4-2-3-1 formation, and in recent weeks he has been suggested as a defensive player in the number six position.

I am annoyed that I didn't test him at the six. I should have done it earlier. "I trust him to do it."

Is it the winner of Muller's competition?

With Musiala's ability to excel in many roles, the question remains - in which position will his future lie?

The left wing is a very well-stocked position with the return of Sane.

The ex-Manchester City player has 19 goals and assists in 19 starts for the German club this season, while Serge Gnabry and Kingsley Coman have been used in the right-wing slot.

Sane, Coman, and Gnabry are all 25 years old and are likely to spend their peak years at the club.

Musiala's most likely area to become a starter is in the central role. SportBild is reporting that Musiala is seen as the natural replacement for Muller in the number 10 role because of his age.

Musiala will need to bring his attacking talent to Muller's off-the-ball duties.

Muller stole the ball from Hummels for Lewandoski's goal in the Der Klassiker against the Germans, showing his ability to win the ball in high positions.

Musiala has the ability to sense pressing and act on them, but he will not be able to match Muller's ability to act on them.

Muller has mentioned that Musiala has a great character and that he has a talent. He does not turn up his nose and is hard-working.

Musiala has had to wait for his chance this season, but after finishing third in the Golden Boy award, he could get a chance to shine against Barcelona.