Former Bayern Munich manager and current German national team boss Julian Nagelsmann has been through the ringer with Jamal Musiala.
Nagelsmann has seen the good times and the bad times with his former club pupil, but it was Musiala’s frustrating showing during the 2022 World Cup that really caught the coach’s attention.
Musiala struggled with his finishing in Qatar and never really got himself fully going as Germany flamed out of the group stage. During Germany’s 5-1 win over Scotland in the EURO 2024 opener, however, Musiala was one of Germany’s best players.
“I’m especially happy for Jamal, because in Qatar [2022] he missed big chances. He had it in his head and today he rewarded himself,” Nagelsmann said (as captured by @iMiaSanMia).
Musiala, of course, scored Germany’s second goal, but he also competed all 32 of his passes, won nine of his 15 ground duels, was successful on five of his eight dribbles, and only lost possession eight times.
Clearly, this was a more confident and better version of Musiala — one that German fans would love to see more of.
Looking for more thoughts and analysis on Germany’s massive EURO 2024-opening win over Scotland? Good, because the Bavarian Podcast Works — Postgame Show has you covered! We’ve got takes on Julian Nagelsmann’s lineup, the brilliance of Toni Kroos, Germany’s relentless attack, and why Florian Wirtz and Jamal Musiala are probably winning over a lot of new fans. You can get the podcast on Spotify or below: