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      Meet Chelsea’s next keeper Karlo Ziger who sat next to Willy Caballero on bench for Krasnodar game – and is HALF his age

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      CHELSEA fans may have noticed a new face on the bench as Krasnodar were dispatched in the Champions League – Karlo Ziger.
      The goalkeeper, 19, sat alongside Willy Caballero, 39, as the Blues won 4-0 in his first venture into a senior squad.

      Karlo Ziger is making his way through the Chelsea ranksCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      The keeper (left) with his team-mates on a stroll in RussiaCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Little is known about Croatia youth international Ziger’s arrival in England.
      But since making his Under-18s debut in late 2017, he has gently risen up the ranks.
      Described as a hard-working shot-stopper with top reflexes, the keeper was a regular at that level in 2018/19, featuring in Uefa Youth League penalty shootout wins over Dinamo Zagreb and Barcelona.

      Future Blaugrana star Ansu Fati was one of the only players to get the better of Ziger in that run, which ended with a defeat to Porto in the final.

      Midway through that season, he made his senior football debut in a one-game emergency loan spell at Sutton United.
      The FA Trophy clash may have finished 3-0 to Spennymoor but Ziger took home his team’s man of the match award before heading back to Chelsea.
      Last season saw the Zagreb-born player in and out of the Under-23s setup, behind Jamie Cumming, who joined Stevenage on loan in the summer to elevate Ziger yet further.
      Therefore, 2020-21 could be a make or break season for the youngster ahead of his contract expiring in June.

      Chelsea worked hard to bring Ziger over from Croatia and his signing became mired in the Football Leaks scandal surrounding the club last year.
      The leaks alleged that the Premier League club paid £120,000 to the keeper’s family to sign him from NK Zagreb at the age of 12.
      In March 2014, Croatian media reported on the transfer although Chelsea officially state that he joined over three years later.
      It is claimed Karlo’s father, Darko, was registered as a club employee and the family’s accomodation paid for until the starlet turned 16.

      Ziger has enjoyed success in the Uefa Youth League with a pair of penalty shootout triumphsCredit: Getty – Contributor

      The Croat has spent a number of years in the Blues academyCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Furthermore, newspaper Nacional has claimed that the Blues paid over £800,000 for Ziger when agreeing an initial seven-year deal.
      Fifa handed Chelsea a two-window transfer ban for 150 rule breaches involving 69 academy players in February 2019.
      On appeal, the ban and fine handed out to the club were reduced and the exact players linked to the punishment have not been confirmed.
      Now looking to complete his long journey to the Stamford Bridge first-team, Ziger is one of a handful of keepers available to Frank Lampard.

      Edouard Mendy signed from Rennes for £22million in the autumn with Kepa Arrizabalaga his back-up.
      Experienced shot-stopper Willy Caballero is third choice before Ziger.
      And Lampard even handed a squad space to club legend Petr Cech, 38, as a ‘precautionary’ measure having first hired the keeper to be his technical and performance advisor.

      Seven stars who quit Chelsea and became world class including Kevin De Bruyne, Mo Salah and Tiago More

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      Man Utd star Axel Tuanzebe, who kept Neymar and Mbappe at bay against PSG, also holds Hungry Hippos world record

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      IT was the night Axel Tuanzebe came of age.
      Faced with superstars Kylian Mbappe and Neymar, the 22-year-old defender put on his best display in a Manchester United shirt – as the Red Devils shocked PSG to win 2-1 in the Champions League.

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      Axel Tuanzebe is now tipped to play a significant role for Man Utd this season after his display against PSGCredit: Getty Images

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      Tuanzebe enjoyed a coming of age performance against PSGCredit: Icon Sport – Getty

      Now, he’s at the age where he can push for a first team spot and has given boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer another option in a defence that has seemed brittle at best this season.
      But Tuanzebe also has a hidden talent, away from his footballing brilliance.
      Incredibly, he holds a Guinness World Record for the fastest time to clear a game of Hungry Hippos.
      HUNGRY FOR SUCCESS
      Just before Tuanzebe was sent on loan to Aston Villa in 2018, he joined his Manchester United team-mates on a preseason tour in Los Angeles.

      There he was asked to take part in a game of Hungry Hippos for fun.
      But somehow, as an individual, he finished it in just 17.37 seconds – managing to record a world record at the same time.
      For those who missed out on the famous game as a child, it features four hippos in a circle with a handful of balls in the middle.
      Players each choose a hippo and need to use it to collect as many marbles as possible before they are all taken.

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      Kylian Mbappe wasn’t given an inch by TuanzebeCredit: Getty Images – Getty

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      Tuanzebe is not just a upcoming footballing star, but also holds a Guinness World Record in Hungry Hippos gameCredit: Instagram @roshaunwilliams

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      The Hungry Hippos game is a favourite pastime for many young children, where players have to swallow as many marbles as possible using their hippoCredit: Amazon
      COMING OF AGE PERFORMANCE
      The Congo-born defender, who moved to Rochdale as a child before joining United at the age of eight, found himself frozen out at Old Trafford with the signing of Harry Maguire.
      His last appearance before his defensive masterclass in Paris came back in December 2019, so he could’ve been excused for rustiness.
      However, his top-class display had Solskjaer purring – with pundits including Rio Ferdinand demanding Tuanzebe should be a starter.
      After the PSG game, Solskjaer said: “We know that when you go away against a team like this, against players like Neymar and Mbappe, top, top players in the world, we know we have to defend well.
      “We know David De Gea will have to make a few saves. Sometimes you’ll get in a foot race with Mbappe and you’ll have to run with him and we know Axel’s qualities – he’s a top defender.
      “First game in, I don’t know, 10 months or something, which is just testament to the quality he has.”

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      Axel Tuanzebe signed a three-year contract with the option of an extra year and has impressed boss Ole Gunnar SolskjaerCredit: Getty – Contributor

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      Tuanzebe joined Manchester United as an eight-year-old and rose through the ranks to make his first team debut in January 2017Credit: Getty – Contributor
      INJURY HELL
      One of the reasons Tuanzebe was MIA for United was due to a series of niggling injuries that hampered what was supposed to be his breakthrough season with the Premier League giants in the past year.
      And he admitted it certainly affected how he felt emotionally.
      He said: “You’re just looking at the other lads progressing, the games being played, just counting the amount of games you’re missing and getting messages left, right and centre, asking when you’re coming back and stuff.
      “It’s tough in that respect, but I’ve had good people around me who have kept me going, [who] motivate me every day, and I motivate myself to know that there’s light at the end of the tunnel.
      “(I’d like to say thanks) especially to the rehab and S and C [strength and conditioning] guys.
      “I’m constantly with them every day, and trying to strengthen any weak parts and do general conditioning, so it’s been really good.”

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      Tuanzebe is joined by fellow England stars Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Angel Gomes, Jesse Lingard and Marcus Rashford at UnitedCredit: Instagram @axeltuanzebe_38

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      Tuanzebe is an England youth international, but could still turn out for the country of his birth, DR CongoCredit: Rex Features

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      With his injury hell behind, Tuanzebe will be pushing for a place in Uniteds first teamCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Often preferring the central defensive role, the England youth international has sometimes been pushed out to right-back while he is capable of playing in the middle of park.
      And he is hungry to prove his worth, telling the club’s TV channel: “Manchester has always been my home so to be amongst the lads again is great, I want to push on and show everyone I’m ready for it.”
      After his display on Tuesday, he looks it.

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      Ex-Chelsea kid Jamal Musiala is Bayern Munich’s youngest ever Bundesliga goalscorer and set for Champions League debut

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      LAST month, Jamal Musiala became Bayern Munich’s youngest-ever goalscorer in the Bundesliga – scoring in the 8-0 rout over Schalke.
      And ahead of the Bavarians Champions League tie against Atletico Madrid tonight, he could make his Champions League bow too.

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      English wonderkid Jamal Musiala is Bayern Munich’s youngest ever scorer at just 17 years and 205  daysCredit: AFP

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      Musiala scored the landmark goal in an 8-0 win over Schalke and could be in line for a Champions League debut against Atletico MadridCredit: AFP

      The former Chelsea academy ace was just 17 years and 205 days old when he came off the bench and made history against the side from Gelsenkirchen in September.
      Musiala only made his first-team debut in June, coming on as a sub for Bayern Munich in their 3-1 win over SC Freiburg in the Bundesliga.
      The promising attacking midfielder, plucked from the Blues in the summer of 2019, was a late replacement for club legend Thomas Muller with just a couple of minutes left on the clock.
      It shows the potential the German giants see in the England youth star.

      Earlier in June, Musiala scored his first two goals for the Bavarians, playing for their reserve side in Germany’s third tier, 3.Liga.
      His double in the 2-0 win over FSV Zwickau made him the second youngest goalscorer in the history of that competition – aged just 17 years and 98 days.
      Although Musiala was just 45 days short of the record set by David Alaba, the impressive feat was not lost on Bayern’s social media channels – with their official Twitter page sharing an image of Jamal with a lovestruck eyes emoji.

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      Musiala made his Bundesliga debut against SC Freiburg in JuneCredit: EPA
      EARLY BEGINNINGS
      Born in Stuttgart, Germany Musiala moved to Southampton aged seven to accompany his mother to study on a year abroad before moving to south London in 2011.

      His natural talent was sniffed out by the Saints almost immediately before Chelsea snapped him up as he moved to the capital.
      The club ensured he was educated at Whitgift Secondary School in Croydon – where Victor Moses and Bayern target Callum Hudson-Odoi also studied.
      And the school’s director of football and former Crystal Palace striker Andrew Martin told DW Sports: “He would score 50+ goals for us a season, and he wasn’t far off that mark at Chelsea.
      “Technically outstanding, very skillful, and a player who can score all types of goals, inside and outside the box. And he’s a great dribbler and likes to take players on, as he did against Schalke.
      “He was always immaculately dressed for school and presented himself extremely well.
      “And he would take that onto the football field, too: his conduct, his effort, his steely determination. Everything added up to him being the complete package.”

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      Musiala has now appeared six times for Bayern Munich in all competitions this seasonCredit: Getty – Pool
      MOVING FROM STAMFORD BRIDGE
      Despite Chelsea’s desperate attempts to keep Musiala at Stamford Bridge on a long-term deal, the Stuttgart-born youngster signed for Bayern Munich in 2019 on a five-year-contract.
      He joined the trend of English youngsters leaving the UK for Germany in search of first team football, including Jadon Sancho and Reiss Nelson.
      And he could’ve had another Chelsea player sharing that experience with him.
      Callum Hudson-Odoi, who like Jamal is repped by First Access Sports, was a chief target for the German champions around the same time, before they turned their attentions to Musiala and the England international signed a new deal with the Blues.
      ENGLAND OR GERMANY?
      Although he was born in Germany, Musiala has starred for the Three Lions at youth level.
      Astonishingly, he made his debut for the Under-15s at the tender age of 13.

      Musiala (second from right) scored his first two professional goals in JuneCredit: Represented by ZUMA Press, Inc.

      Musiala in action for England U17sCredit: Rex Features

      Musiala plays as an attacking midfielder or second strikerCredit: Rex Features

      In 2018 Musiala played for the Germany U16 team against BelgiumCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      While for the U16 side he scored three times in nine games, providing two assists. Musiala has since appeared for England’s U17 team six times and scored twice.
      However, he may be hedging his bets when it comes to international football.
      The promising talent has also played twice for the German U16s, so expect a tug-of-war over his international future.
      SUPER SUB
      On June 3, Musiala made his professional debut over Preußen Münster in the 3. Liga – coming on as a sub in a 3-2 win.
      A week later, he scored his first professional goals.
      With Bayern struggling to break down FSV Zwickau, Musiala was introduced to proceedings replacing Malik Tillman after 57 minutes.
      And he made the difference, with his two strikes coming in the 75th and 85th minutes to earn his side victory.
      HE’S COLD AS ICE
      His boss Sebastian Hoeness praised Musiala’s ice-cold demeanour after the game.
      He revealed: “The boy is freezing cold. If you talk to him before the game, he appears focused, calm and reserved.

      Musiala became the second youngest scorer in 3.Liga when he netted twice for Bayern MunichCredit: Represented by ZUMA Press, Inc.

      Germany and England are set for a tug-of-war over Musiala’s international futureCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      “But when he comes on the field, he literally explodes. That’s exactly what we want to see from young players. They should take your heart in your hand and be brave.”
      He added: “We know that Jamal has great qualities with the ball. The boy helps us, so he deserves the chance.
      “Against Zwickau, he rewarded himself and helped us a lot as a team, which makes me extremely happy.”

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      Dortmund’s 15-year-old Moukoko has 10-year boot deal with Nike, is set for Champions League squad and is a goal-machine

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      WHERE were you when Youssoufa Moukoko made his Champions League debut?
      That could be the question on every football fans’ lips in years to come when this incredibly gifted striker fulfils his promise.

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      Dortmund star Youssoufa Moukoko is set to be named in the German’s Champions League squad at just 15Credit: Getty – Contributor

      And we may get to see that moment this season.
      The 15-year-old sensation is set to be named in Borussia Dortmund’s Champions League squad.
      Should he make his debut for the German giants, Moukoko will become the youngest ever Champions League debutant.
      RULE BREAKER
      Unbelievably, Moukoko is so good the Bundesliga have changed their age eligibility rules in order to let him play.

      Previously, players have not been allowed to play in Germany’s top-flight until they are 16-and-a-half.
      But such have been the waves caused by Moukoko’s rapid rise, that this has now been lowered to just 16, which he turns on November 20.
      Furthermore, in anticipation of his German debut (he would be eligible to play away Hertha Berlin on November 21) the live-wire forward has been training with Lucien Favre’s first team.
      The current Dortmund record was set by Nuri Sahin back in 2005, when he made his debut at 16 years, 11 months and one day – before going on to play for Real Madrid and Liverpool.

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      Striker Moukoko has scored goals for fun at youth levelCredit: Getty Images – Getty

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      Moukoko averaged a goal or an assist every 40 minutes during the 2019-20 seasonCredit: Getty – Contributor

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      Last year, Moukoko signed a 10-year boot deal with Nike worth around £9mCredit: Nike
      The German teen, who signed a boot deal with Nike for 10-years worth a reported £9million in 2019, has left observers flabbergasted by his incredible ability at such a young age.
      But his progress is nothing new.
      GOALS, GOALS, GOALS
      At the age of just 12, pre-teen Moukoko was playing for Dortmund’s under-17s and Germany’s under-16s.
      He scored an astonishing 90 goals in 56 games at under-17 level, before bagging 34 in 20 this season for the under-19s – despite having started the season as a 14-year-old.
      And after the Bundesliga’s new ruling, dubbed the “Moukoko rule”, he could make his first-team bow in the winter – and become Dortmund’s youngster-ever player.
      Champions League-winning club legend and youth boss Lars Ricken spoke to German newspaper Bild about Moukoko’s rapid rise.
      “He’s scored a lot of goals, is very inquisitive, hungry for success, hardworking and always comes with a smile that distinguishes him,” he said.
      “That’s what we look at. The tools are there.”

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      The Bundesliga lowered the legal age for debutants because of Moukoko’s abilityCredit: Getty – Contributor

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      First team striker Erling Haaland welcomes Moukoko to trainingCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      HOW OLD IS HE?
      But such success has been quickly met with doubts about his age, even from inside his own club.
      Dortmund’s Under-23s manager Timo Preus said: “With Youssoufa, I can imagine that his age has only been guessed.
      “Maybe in reality he is one or two years older. But certainly he is not 17. For him that is very difficult.
      “There is nothing to blame him for, the boy is not cheating or anything.”
      However, Moukoko’s dad Joseph has been forced to insist his son is the age he claims he is – even if he refuses to get caught up in the tidal wave of excitement surrounding the lad.

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      Moukoko jostles for the ball with Dortmund’s Jadon SanchoCredit: Getty Images – Getty

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      Questions have been asked of Moukoko’s ageCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Moukoko Sr said: “His age is right.
      “Immediately after he was was born I registered him at the German consulate in Yaounde. We have a German birth certificate.
      “For me he is not a wonderkid. I was even better as a kid.”
      CONVEYOR BELT OF TALENT
      Dortmund have a rich heritage in bleeding first class youngsters from their youth set-up to the first team.
      Impressive Chelsea winger Christian Pulisic burst onto the scene as a 17-year-old under Thomas Tuchel in 2016.
      And more recently, Erling Haaland, Jadon Sancho and Gio Reyna have made fans sit up and take notice of their ability.

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      Moukoko is the next big thing in Germany and has the world at his feetCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      14-year-old BVB wonder kid Youssoufa Moukoko’s two goals from Wednesday’s U17 victory…followed by a famous celebration ⭐️💎 pic.twitter.com/2ag5LHCTFa
      — Borussia Dortmund (@BlackYellow) June 7, 2019

      The German giants have also spent around £25million on Birmingham City starlet Jude Bellingham, who himself only turned 17 back in June.
      Dortmund sporting director Michael Zorc said of Moukoko last November: “He’s an outstanding talent and we want him to learn how to train and play with adults.”
      And thanks to the “Moukoko rule”, this November it appears that Zorc can get his wish.

      Perry Groves says ‘hats off’ to Jude Bellingham after 17-year-old seals £23m move to Borussia Dortmund from Birmingham City More

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      Man Utd wonderkid Joe Hugill, aged 16, is 6ft 2in striker who plays like Kane and scored winning pen in EFL Trophy win

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      MESSI, Salah, Maradona… Joe Hugill is in good company.
      Like those star forwards, the Manchester United wonderkid is blessed with a magical left foot capable of hurting the opposition.

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      Joe Hugill scored the winning penalty – with his right foot – against Rochdale in the EFL TrophyCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      It’s why the Red Devils paid Sunderland £300,000 for the 16-year-old back in the summer.
      Hugill impressed with United’s U21 team in Tuesday’s EFL Trophy win over Rochdale, coming close when he hit the woodwork and scoring the winning penalty (with his right foot) in a shootout after the sides drew 0-0 after 90 minutes.
      The 6ft 2in frame showed he is a capable target man – as comfortable receiving the ball on the deck as he is leaping for a long ball in the air.
      Here’s why the Old Trafford hierarchy moved quick to secure Hugill’s services in the summer, beating off competition from Premier League rivals Arsenal and Tottenham.

      A TRUE MACKEM
      Born and bred in Sunderland, Hugill spent his entire youth career at his boyhood club.
      In recent years, the Black Cats have produced an incredible array of talent.
      England goalie Jordan Pickford and Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson have risen to the top after coming through the ranks in the North East.
      Josh Maja made waves in the Sunderland first team before he was signed by Bordeaux, where he is thriving in France.

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      Hugill was born and bred in Sunderland

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      In the summer United paid Sunderland £300,000 for Hugill’s servicesCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      And Sam Greenwood earned rave reviews for Arsenal’s youth sides, after joining the Gunners in 2018 from the EFL League One side, and recently earned a £3million move to Leeds United.
      Like those mentioned, Hugill shone at the ‘Academy of Light’, playing for both the U18s and U23s.
      TECHNICALLY SOUND
      First thing you’ll notice about Hugill’s game is his touch.
      When the ball is played to feet it sticks, and he’s able to bring others into the game with his link-up play.
      But there’s also goals to his game too.
      On his Premier League 2 debut, with Sunderland rock bottom of the table, he scored twice against West Ham in a 4-2 defeat.
      Hugill also scored a hat-trick against Shrewsbury Town in the FA Youth Cup – alerting scouts to his abilities.

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      At 6ft 2in Hugill offers a presence in the boxCredit: Getty Images – Getty

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      Hugill boasts similarities to Harry KaneCredit: Getty Images – Getty

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      Hugill impressed in the EFL Trophy win over RochdaleCredit: Rex Features
      Although more slight in build, he has been compared to England hotshot Harry Kane in terms of his style of play.
      He’s not blessed with pace, but he certainly knows where the goal is.
      UNITED’S YOUTH PUSH
      Hugill is seen as one for the future by Nicky Butt, now head of first team development, but was formerly overseeing their youth set-up.

      The graduate of the ‘Class of ’92’ oversaw the arrivals of Tahith Chong, Charlie McCann, France youth stars Aliou Traore and Hannibal Mejbri, Arnau Puigmal, and Largie Ramazani in that role, until Nick Cox took over the reigns last year.
      And with his recommendation, Hugill was added to that list of promising youngsters.
      Perhaps the class of 2020 can be just as impressive as Beckham, the Nevilles, Scholes and Co in years to come.

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      Former Chelsea wonderkid Jamal Musiala, 17, becomes Bayern Munich’s youngest ever goalscorer in Bundesliga

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      JAMAL MUSIALA became Bayern Munich’s youngest-ever goalscorer in the Bundesliga with a strike in Friday’s 8-0 win over Schalke.
      The former Chelsea academy ace came off the bench to make history and also record a personal milestone with his first senior goal, aged just 17 years and 205 days.

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      English wonderkid Jamal Musiala became Bayern Munich’s youngest ever scorer at just 17 years and 205  daysCredit: AFP

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      Musiala scored the landmark goal in an 8-0 win over Schalke on Friday nightCredit: AFP

      Musiala only made his first-team debut in June, coming on as a sub for Bayern Munich in their 3-1 win over SC Freiburg in the Bundesliga.
      The promising attacking midfielder, plucked from Chelsea’s academy in the summer of 2019, was a late replacement for club legend Thomas Muller with just a couple of minutes left on the clock.
      It shows the potential the German giants see in the England youth star.
      Earlier in June, Musiala scored his first two goals for the Bavarians, playing for their reserve side in Germany’s third tier, 3.Liga.

      His double in the 2-0 win over FSV Zwickau made him the second youngest goalscorer in the history of that competition – aged just 17 years and 98 days.
      Although Musiala was just 45 days short of the record set by David Alaba, the impressive feat was not lost on Bayern’s social media channels – with their official Twitter page sharing an image of Jamal with a lovestruck eyes emoji.

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      Musiala made his Bundesliga debut against SC Freiburg in JuneCredit: EPA
      MOVING FROM STAMFORD BRIDGE
      Despite Chelsea’s desperate attempts to keep Musiala at Stamford Bridge on a long-term deal, the Stuttgart-born youngster signed for Bayern Munich in 2019 on a five-year-contract.
      He joined the trend of English youngsters leaving the UK for Germany in search of first team football, including Jadon Sancho and Reiss Nelson.

      And he could’ve had another Chelsea player sharing that experience with him.
      Callum Hudson-Odoi, who like Jamal is repped by First Access Sports, was a chief target for the German champions around the same time, before they turned their attentions to Musiala and the England international signed a new deal with the Blues.
      ENGLAND OR GERMANY?
      Although he was born in Germany, Musiala has starred for the Three Lions at youth level.
      Astonishingly, he made his debut for the Under-15s at the tender age of 13.

      Musiala (second from right) scored his first two professional goals in JuneCredit: Represented by ZUMA Press, Inc.

      Musiala in action for England U17sCredit: Rex Features

      Musiala plays as an attacking midfielder or second strikerCredit: Rex Features

      In 2018 Musiala played for the Germany U16 team against BelgiumCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      While for the U16 side he scored three times in nine games, providing two assists. Musiala has since appeared for England’s U17 team six times and scored twice.
      However, he may be hedging his bets when it comes to international football.
      The promising talent has also played twice for the German U16s, so expect a tug-of-war over his international future.
      SUPER SUB
      On June 3, Musiala made his professional debut over Preußen Münster in the 3. Liga – coming on as a sub in a 3-2 win.
      A week later, he scored his first professional goals.
      With Bayern struggling to break down FSV Zwickau, Musiala was introduced to proceedings replacing Malik Tillman after 57 minutes.
      And he made the difference, with his two strikes coming in the 75th and 85th minutes to earn his side victory.
      HE’S COLD AS ICE
      His boss Sebastian Hoeness praised Musiala’s ice-cold demeanour after the game.
      He revealed: “The boy is freezing cold. If you talk to him before the game, he appears focused, calm and reserved.

      Musiala became the second youngest scorer in 3.Liga when he netted twice for Bayern MunichCredit: Represented by ZUMA Press, Inc.

      Germany and England are set for a tug-of-war over Musiala’s international futureCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      “But when he comes on the field, he literally explodes. That’s exactly what we want to see from young players. They should take your heart in your hand and be brave.”
      He added: “We know that Jamal has great qualities with the ball. The boy helps us, so he deserves the chance.
      “Against Zwickau, he rewarded himself and helped us a lot as a team, which makes me extremely happy.” More

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      Ex-Arsenal wonderkid Musah, 17, is the first Englishman to play for Valencia and has captained England’s youth teams

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      THEY might just regret letting this one go.
      In 2019 Yunus Musah was allowed to leave Arsenal, after seven years training at their Hale End academy, for pastures new.

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      Yunus Musah became the first Englishman to play for Valencia and their youngest ever foreign debutantCredit: Getty Images – Getty

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      Musah, 17, spent seven years with Arsenal before leaving for Valencia in 2019Credit: Getty – Contributor

      There were rumblings inside the club that coaches believed it was a serious mistake to grant the talented midfielder, capped by England at youth level, a move to Valencia.
      But Arsenal’s loss is the La Liga giant’s gain – with Musah, 17, growing in confidence in Spain.
      Last weekend, the outstanding midfielder made his debut for Los Che in a 4-2 win over Levante UD, and he is expected to be in the squad for tomorrow’s clash against Celta Vigo.
      He is the first Englishman to have played for Valencia, and the club’s all-time youngest foreign player. Here’s his story.

      BORN IN NY, RAISED IN LONDON
      Musah was born in New York, where his mum was on holiday at the time.
      The family, of Ghanaian descent, lived in Italy until he was nine where he played for local team Giorgione.
      They then moved to London and he was immediately snapped up by Arsenal, eventually graduating from their Hale End academy.
      Musah was highly-rated in North London, having played a significant role in helping the U18 side win the Premier League in 2019 – scoring five goals in 17 appearances.

      But last year he felt Valencia offered him a better pathway towards first-team football, and it appears that was the right decision for the exciting youngster.

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      Musah was born in New York to Ghanaian parents and raised in Italy and EnglandCredit: Instagram @ yunus.musah8

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      So far Musah has played for England at U15, U16, U17 and U18 levelCredit: Rex Features

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      A leader among boys, Musah has captained the Three Lions at various levelsCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      INTERNATIONAL PEDIGREE
      Born in the USA, with Ghanaian parents and having UK and Italian citizenship means Musah can play for all those countries.
      But, so far, he’s been loyal to England – playing internationally at U15, U16, U17, and most recently U18 level.
      He’s also been named Three Lions captain a number of times, and is seen as a real leader of his generation.
      Should he continue his rapid ascension in the game, expect Italy, Ghana and the USA to test the waters of his loyalty to see if he will switch allegiances.
      WHAT KIND OF PLAYER IS HE?
      An attacking midfielder with an eye for a pass, Musah is strong on the ball.
      His athleticism allows him to run past players with ease and create opportunities for his team-mates.
      Able to play as a No10 or out wide, he also boasts fine dribbling skills and has an eye for goal.
      But he’s a sucker for perfection and knows where he needs to improve.

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      Athletic Musah in action against Levante last weekendCredit: Getty Images – Getty

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      Musah can play as a No10 or out wideCredit: AFP or licensors
      “I want to score more goals and be more consistent with my passes as well,” he said.
      “Sometimes in the game I can do so many good passes and one bad one, I want to correct that.”
      PRAISE BE
      Musah is expected to feature plenty more times for Valencia this season, and has the backing of his manager.

      He already speaks excellent Spanish and was seen on his debut constantly talking to his team-mates and showing the self-confidence needed to be a success.
      His coach Javi Gracia highlighted Musah’s maturity in his post-match press conference after the Levante match, insisting that he believes the wonderkid has the ability and mindset to reach the very top.
      With Arsenal looking to add midfielders like Thomas Partey and Houssem Aouar to their squad, they might’ve missed a trick not integrating Musah into their first-team set-up sooner.

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      Musah has the maturity to succeed at the highest levelCredit: Rex Features

      9

      Arsenal may rue letting Musah leave North LondonCredit: Instagram @ yunus.musah8

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