Is Bayern Munich’s youngster Lennart Karl ready for the World Cup ?

As Bayern Munich crushed SC Freiburg for another important victory in the Bundesliga, youngster Lennart Karl delivered another fantastic performance was the He set the stage on fire once again with a brilliant showing. Karl’s talent has created enough ripples that the big question regarding World Cup representation refuses to go away.

Where does Karl fit in Germany?

The national team has produced a wide range of performances that have left many confounded. They have been unpredictable in ways that have not always resulted in the best outcomes. However, Julian Nagelsmann has rich experience in integrating developing young players. There have been dull moments in some recent games where his team have looked completely off and in need of some energy.

So, there is a spot for a super-sub with a lot of self-belief who can inject energy into the team and can dribble for days against tough opponents. Karl’s versatility, technical ability and self-confidence make him a viable option for Nagelsmann. Every World Cup team brings their bunch of youngsters who they foresee to mature into great players and benefit from the experience. Karl definitely is a suitable candidate in that context.

Is Karl thinking about the World Cup?

After the Freiburg game, Karl was asked whether he had the World Cup in the back of his head as he went into the games. “I’m not focused on that at all. I’m just trying to perform, and then we’ll see what Julian [Nagelsmann] does with me. I’m just trying to give everything here. Hopefully it works out, but if it doesn’t, I just have to keep going” answered Karl (as captured by @iMiaSanMia) giving off a rather focused state of mind.

Nurturing the rising flame

Karl has undoubtedly deserved the attention he getting. His performances defy his age and he has held his own against any opposition Kompany has deployed him against. Against Freiburg he was drifting through the opposition’s midfield and defence making unstoppable connections. Scoring the first goal of Bayern and assisting Michael Olise for the second, he was key to open the Frieburg defence and start the comeback.

However, considering the young age of the Karl, his integration into the national side, the fame, pressure it all comes with has to be mindfully handled. With club and country sponsors keen to capture the current trend, bombarding Karl with limelight is something that could happen. Having said that, exposure of the highest level is an opportunity for development like no other and handling it right would be a win-win for all.