Joachim Löw eager to invite Bayern teenager of Nigerian descent
Germany Coach Joachim Löw says he plans to call up Bayern Munich teenager Jamal Musiala to the senior Germany squad for the March internationals.
The teenager who is born of Nigerian father joined Bayern from Chelsea in 2019, is eligible to play for Germany and England and perhaps by extension Nigeria
Löw has told BILD am Sonntag he is trying to convince the 17-year-old midfielder that his international future lies with the four-time world champions, rather than the Three Lions.
“He’s an exceptional talent, who is highly valued by Germany and Bayern,” commented the Germany boss after attending Bayern’s 4-1 win over Hoffenheim, echoing the views of goalkeeper Manuel Neuer.
“I think he knows one way or another that I want to nominate him,” he continued. “The ball’s in his court – it’s his decision.
Musiala was born in Fulda to a German mother and Nigerian father, but lived in London between the ages of seven and 16.
Germany Coach Joachim Löw
After eight years at the Chelsea academy, Musiala returned to Germany – with Bayern. Having impressed for the U17s, U19s and reserves, he made his Bundesliga debut on the penultimate weekend of last season, becoming the record champions’ youngest debutant. He has scored three goals in 21 senior appearances so far in 2020/21.
Musiala’s accelerated progress at club level has been mirrored on the youth international circuit.
He played for the England U15 team aged just 13, and continued to represent the country at U16 level. He then made two appearances for the Germany U16s in October 2018, before turning out eight times for England’s U17 side, scoring in his first two outings, and is now capped up to U21 level with the Three Lions.
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FIFA rules stipulate players under the age of 21 can switch national teams provided they have featured in no more than three matches for the nation they first represented at senior level, including friendlies. The only exceptions to the rule are if they have appeared at a FIFA World Cup finals or confederation finals such as the UEFA Euros.