Facing Barcelona, Mueller calls youngster Musiala Bayern's magician

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By Oliver Trust

BERLIN, Sept. 11 (Xinhua) -- Jamal Musiala inspirations give reigning German champion Bayern Munich confidence to successfully perform in the Champions League.

Before crossing swords with Spanish giant FC Barcelona next Tuesday, the 18-year-old helped the Bavarians to crush national league rival, RB Leipzig, 4-1.

"He was the magician of the game," German international Thomas Mueller commented after Musiala not only scored the 2-0 but delivered several enchanting actions.

"What he stands for is unique. His total package is outstanding," 31-year-old Mueller added after Robert Lewandowski scored the lead by a penalty followed by the goals of Musiala, Leroy Sane, and Eric Choupo-Moting.

Being substituted for injured Serge Gnabry after 45 minutes, the former Chelsea talent pushed his team after a two-week break due to games of the national team.

Mueller said Musiala is full of natural confidence "without carrying his nose high up. He listens, he learns, he delivers. He is far from a substitute, but significantly helps a top-class team despite his young age to win games."

The attacker said, the upstart not only stands for unique skills but a solid character as he is "totally down to earth."

The eight-time capped German international developed into one of Bayern's effective performers after joining the Bavarians in 2019.

Former Bayern captain and German record international Lothar Matthaeus expects Musiala to be on his way to becoming a second Neymar.

With Musiala, the 2020 treble winner seems on a good path after coach Hansi Flick has left for the German national team.

Adopting the aggressive, high pressing style of Flick successor Julian Nagelsmann, the Germans turn into a serious competitor for Europe's so-called big sons when it comes to this season's Champions League title.

"After a long break with games of the national team you don't know in what condition you are as a club team," Mueller said.

Encouraged by a convincing performance against Leipzig, Bayern feels prepared for its journey into the unknown.

Mueller expects to meet a new team of Barcelona as "they now are a new team without Messi. If you play against Barca with Messi, it makes you fully concentrate. You know what you get, now it's completely different."

Acting cool-headed and effective Bayern used the delicate away game in Leipzig, to give its defense returnees important playing minutes.

Dayot Upamecano, Lucas Hernandez, Alphonso Davies, and Benjamin Pavard made it into the starting eleven after an injury break.

"We can't make them start against a side of the quality of Barca. That's why today's game was paramount important to prepare for the Champions League," Bayern coach Nagelsmann stated.

Next to the returnees, Sane continued its promising upswing creating optimism to achieve a satisfying result in Spain.

Bayern said they don't expect to repeat the stunning 8-2 of 2020 when they pulverized Barca in the final round of the Champions League in Lisbon.

As it seems, this time it might be enough to have someone like Musiala around to make the Bavarians win three points. Enditem

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