Bayern Munich star Jamal Musiala is a magician. The 21-year-old attacking midfielder is dazzling this season with goals and dribbles galore. And it is apparent that to stop him from gallivanting through opposing defenses, a certain amount of dark arts is needed.
The worst part? He can hardly complain about it too much. Musiala and head coach Vincent Kompany have touched on the importance of referees — who are in a position to stop this behavior before it gets out of hand — but in measured tones.
It is, after all, part of the deal.
“I try to speak to the referees. They’re doing what they think is right and trying to give their best,” Musiala said this week in comments captured via @iMiaSanMia. “I don’t want to complain a lot and want to have fun on the pitch. I’ll always speak to the referee if I feel that I’m being fouled a lot — but I know that’s part of the game.”
How far is too far? The youngster has been clobbered, swatted at, manhandled, and rugby tackled too many times to count. It seems to be the only way to slow him down. And opponents will likely keep doing that — if they aren’t made to pay a price.
