Jamal Musiala is transforming into a heading sensation at Bayern Munich and the German national team. Lothar Matthäus has analyzed a crucial detail behind this evolution.
Freiburg im Breisgau – Jamal Musiala has done it again. Following his headed goals for Bayern in matches against VfL Bochum and Benfica, the 21-year-old also found the net for the German national team.
In the penultimate group match of the Nations League against Bosnia and Herzegovina (7-0), Musiala scored with a header just two minutes into the game. The attacking midfielder rose high to connect with a cross and directed the ball expertly with his forehead into the back of the net.
Musiala is keen on developing himself into a complete player. He emphasized before the game that he is actively working on his weaknesses to improve steadily — an attitude that is evidently paying off, as heading has become an integral part of his game.
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But what makes Musiala so strong in the air right now? TV expert Lothar Matthäus analyzed an important aspect during an RTL broadcast: “He has different running paths than a year ago. He used to run out of the center towards the right or left; now he runs straight through.”
Apparently, Musiala discussed with the coaching staff the need to penetrate the center more frequently, “that’s why he finds himself in these situations,” Matthäus emphasized, adding: “The header was perfectly placed. The goals are not coincidental; it’s about positional play on these crosses, where Jamal moves more into the center than outside of the goal area. He is where he wants to be, where he needs to be, and where he enjoys being.”
Even though this isn’t the first time he scored with a header, Musiala expressed particular pride in his goal during his post-match interview with the TV broadcaster. “The others were simple; this was a proper header,” said the forward star, who was substituted for Leroy Sané after 58 minutes.
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At the time of the substitution, Germany was leading 5-0 against the Bosnians, who sit at the bottom of Group 3 in the Nations League A. “It was fun. We executed the tactics we wanted to get right,” Musiala reflected on the match. “After a few goals, everyone can play freely, but we still worked hard defensively.”
With another performance like this, the final group game against Hungary (Tuesday, 20:45 CET) aims to conclude the Nations League group stage with 16 out of a possible 18 points. In the quarter-finals, scheduled for March 20-25, 2025, Germany will not only compete for a spot in the Final Four tournament. The German Football Association (DFB) is reportedly hopeful of hosting the finals, which could take place in Munich and Stuttgart if UEFA confirms.
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