One is a wily 33-year-old veteran in what may be the closing years of an illustrious career. The other a 21-year-old sapling who is fast on his way to becoming the towering figure of Bayern Munich’s next generation. Germany needed both to beat Hungary 2-0 at the EUROs and punch an early ticket to the next round.
And the pair — FC Barcelona vet İlkay Gündoğan and Bayern youngster Jamal Musiala — need each other.
“For me he’s incredible. It’s such a joy to play with him,” Gündoğan said after the Hungary game (via @iMiaSanMia). “He’s someone who can do the unexpected in every single situation and is such a difference-maker for our team.
“He is maybe the most important player at the moment for us and at such a young age as well, especially when it comes to creating, putting in the final pass and scoring goals which is something he’s added to his game as well.”
Gündoğan is no less important to Germany however, and even at 33 is just now making his best mark on the national team. Manchester City star Jack Grealish, who was a shock omission from Gareth Southgate’s England side for this EUROs, took to Instagram to give his former City teammate a tip of the cap:
“Can’t explain how good this guy is man. Honestly one of the best I’ve ever had the pleasure of playing with,” Grealish wrote.
How blessed is Germany right now?
Looking for more thoughts and analysis on Germany’s big EURO 2024 win over Hungary? Then check out our Bavarian Podcast Works — Postgame Show on Spotify or below: