After his strong debut at the latest, Jamal Musiala has reached his DFB colleagues.
The 18-year-old already has a suitable nickname.
Herzogenaurach - For the first time, national coach Joachim Löw * saw himself forced to fall back on the midfield talent Jamal Musiala in the last preliminary round match of his DFB team against Hungary.
The 18-year-old played only his fourth international match on Wednesday, played a key role in the draw and also became the youngest tournament debutant in the history of the German national team.
The high-flyer of the season has long since arrived with his colleagues and even has a characteristic nickname.
DFB: Bayern colleague Gnabry on Jamal Musiala's nickname - "A dear, sweet guy"
At the DFB press conference on Wednesday, Bayern star Serge Gnabry * answered the questions about his teammate, who is called "Bambi" within the national team, with a smile.
"I think the nickname came from Leroy (Sané, editor's note)," Gnabry recalled when asked about the origin of the nickname based on the Disney classic.
"You can see a connection in his movements, which are very fluid," compares Gnabry Musiala with the young stag from the legendary children's film.
"He always gets past his opponents and is also extremely young and just a nice, sweet guy," praised his colleague seven years older.
Musiala is a "very pleasant boy".
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Even the part-time Instagram comedian Thomas Müller couldn't help but take a Bambi joke and took it to extremes.
The Bayern player posted a photo with the 18-year-old at the DFB's autograph session on Saturday in his story.
"With my Bambi (no)", wrote the 31-year-old and emphasizes his joke with two deer emojis.
DFB: Thomas Müller picks up "Bambino" Musiala - 18-year-old before an emotional game against England
"Bambino" is the Italian term for child, in German football the term is synonymous with the F or G youth - the smallest.
Due to his age, Musiala has to listen to some of these sayings from his experienced DFB * colleagues, even if they are always tapped with a wink.
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Thomas Müller posted a picture with "Bambi (no)" Musiala in his story.
© Screenshot Instagram (@esmuellert)
Because his older colleagues can thank Musiala for his commitment in the last group game against Hungary.
After his substitution, Musiala initiated the decisive goal by drawing three opponents on him and finally finding the goal scorer Leon Goretzka in the backcourt.
Against his second home England *, for which the teenager would also have been eligible to play, Musiala is now hoping for his second tournament appearance.
Before the game, his team suffered a minor setback due to a UEFA decision.
(ajr)
List of rubric lists: © Christof Stache / AFP