Jamal Musiala: Eligible for Nigeria, played for England youth, now Germany’s jewel at Euro 2020

Eighteen-year-old Bayern Munich prodigy Jamal Musiala is one of the hottest prospects in world football at the moment.

Having been gifted with the opportunity of representing one of three countries from birth has probably left the young midfielder in a dilemma.

But he has gone past that as he is now a full-fledged player for Die Mannschaft after making his choice in February 2021.

Musiala was born in Stuttgart, Germany, to a British-Nigerian father and a German mother. He spent a chunk of his international youth career representing England.

The 18-year-old represented England in the Under-16,17, and 21 levels, while he also played for Germany in the Under-16 level for a short time in 2018, where he made just two appearances.

He started his career at Chelsea as an academy player at eight years of age before moving to Bayern Munich in July 2019.

In June 2020, he made his debut for the junior side of Bayern Munich against Preuben Munster in a 3-2 win. One week later, he made his senior debut for the Bavarians and, by doing that, became the youngest player in a Bayern Munich shirt.

The battle to get Musiala looked more like a Germany versus England show as Nigeria was never in the equation.

Musiala had always alternated between England and Germany. However, the four-time world champions were more determined to get the Bayern youngster as they offered him a quick passage to the senior team and a place in the Euros squad.

England were more methodical as they wanted him to go through the ranks and wait for his time to get into the Three Lions.

And ahead of the Euro 2020 round of 16 clash between the two old foes, Musiala could haunt the Three Lions.

He could be vital for the Germans if he gets the nod to feature against the England side as he’s shown his proficiency in front of goal, netting six times in just seven starts in the Bundesliga last season.

Musiala can play as a winger, but his natural role is an attacking midfielder.  His nimble feet could be a problem for the English defence- although he’s unlikely to start.

Musiala is also an addition to the list of skilful players on Germany’s roster, and for a player of his age, he’s shown that he could step up when he is called on the big stage.

The youngster scored Bayern Munich’s second goal in their 4-1 win over Lazio in the Champions League last season.

It all looks settled for Musiala as he seems to have established himself as a team player for Bayern, and with the German team currently in a transition period, he would fancy his chances moving forward.