Bayern Munich have been in scintillating form this season. They have been particularly exceptional in the final third, scoring goals at a healthy rate. Vincent Kompany has gotten the best out of almost every Bayern forward this season.
Lennart Karl has been one of the success stories of Bayern’s brilliant output in the attack. The 17-year-old forward is getting a considerable amount of game time. He is making the most of these opportunities to strengthen the chances of playing regularly for the first team.
Karl was in sensational form against Freiburg. He scored the crucial opening goal for Bayern to help his side get back in the game. The youngster also provided an assist for Die Roten’s equalizer before the halftime whistle. He combined well with other forwards and created problems for Freiburg’s defense.
The 17-year-old forward has already racked up 429 minutes for the first team this season. He has three goals and two assists to his name this campaign, averaging a goal contribution every 86 minutes. In his column for Sky Sports Germany, former Bayern defender Lothar Matthaus has urged Julian Nagelsmann to consider Karl for the national team ahead of the World Cup in the summer.
"He has every opportunity to become one of the greats in German football. He's a big candidate for the World Cup, because players like that, who have something special, are needed at a tournament like this. We are always afraid to promote young players and that's the problem in Germany. Just unleash them. There are no arguments at all. There's never promotion too early and there's never a national team too early."Lothar Matthaus on Lennart Karl
Bayern and Vincent Kompany are trying their best to keep the hype down around Karl. They want to manage the workload of the youngster and make sure that the incredible attention doesn’t affect him in a negative way.
However, the voices to include him in Nagelsmann’s squad will get louder if Karl continues to perform well over the next three months. He will certainly provide the x-factor that can strengthen Germany’s quest to win the big trophy.
Karl trains with the squad ahead of clash against Arsenal
Bayern fans have nothing to worry about Karl’s fitness ahead of Wednesday’s big Champions League clash against Arsenal. The teenager was spotted in the training at Sabner Strasse on Tuesday. He was part of the squad travelling to London earlier today.
Karl was substituted midway through the second half against Freiburg on Saturday due to a minor injury. Considering his performance against Freiburg, he is in contention to start against the Premier League leaders. Luis Diaz is suspended for Wednesday’s game, which opens up a spot for Karl in the starting XI. Considering how strong Arsenal are from a defensive perspective, a player of Karl’s quality will have a big role to play on Wednesday.
Stats courtesy- Whoscored