Euro 2024: ‘Starboy’ Jamal Musiala told to ‘enjoy his football’

Former England midfielder Izzy Christiansen told BBC Radio 5 Live Musiala “has delivered for Germany”, while ex-defender Alex Scott described him as the “starboy”.

Musiala is the second youngest player in European Championships history to score in each of their first two starts, behind only Hungary’s Ferenc Bene.

Former Germany international Robert Huth said Musiala was “our best player” at the 2022 World Cup and he is already showing his qualities on home soil.

“He has pure magic in his feet, how he glides past players and opens up the game for us,” added Huth.

So how does a player, with the hopes of a nation riding on his shoulders, deal with that level of responsibility?

“I have a lot of meetings with Jamal – when I was coaching at Bayern Munich and also now as his national team coach,” said Nagelsmann.

“I always said he should just play like he is on a small pitch anywhere in Germany or England with his friends. He should not think about the pressure.

“He is brilliant at just playing football and he should just enjoy playing football.”

Whatever happens next for Germany – whether they can beat Switzerland to finish top of their group – Brentford boss Thomas Frank thinks Nagelsmann will be “very happy so far”.

“He has gotten the key players of his side to click – that midfield of Musiala, Ilkay Gundogan and Toni Kroos, it is the key for them progressing in this tournament,” he told BBC One.