After Hamann attack: Kroos defends FCB dribbler Musiala

Toni Kroos has rejected the criticism of Dietmar Hamann and Jamal Musiala. The national team could still have a lot of fun with the young Bayern player.

Munich – In the debate about Jamal Musiala’s playing style, former world champion Toni Kroos has also intervened and defended his former national team colleague. The background to this are statements by former professional Dietmar Hamann, who criticized Musiala in his column at Heaven He described him as an “individual player” and explained that from “Bayern's point of view” he would swap the Bayern star for Leverkusen's Florian Wirtz. Kroos, however, sees things differently and made it clear in his podcast “Einfach mal Luppen” that German football should be happy about talents like Musiala and Wirtz.

After Hamann attack: Kroos defends FCB dribbler Musiala

“We have been yearning for players like these for years,” emphasised the long-time Real Madrid professional. Both are absolutely exceptional players who will have to carry the national team in the future. For Kroos it is clear: “They will have to win us games in the next few years.”

Kroos firmly rejected Hamann's criticism that Musiala was too focused on individual actions. The 33-year-old praised Musiala's ability to hold his own against several opponents, even in tight situations. “For him, a one-on-two is perhaps like a one-on-one for others,” explained Kroos, who highlighted Musiala's fearlessness and technical quality. Musiala is not afraid when opponents are close to him and can solve these situations with his class.

Kroos: If the DFB wants to win titles, there is no way around Musiala and Wirtz

The comparison between Musiala and Wirtz also played a role in Kroos' comments. While Hamann sees the Leverkusen player as more straightforward and more team-oriented, the 2014 world champion believes that both players have different strengths that could complement each other well. Wirtz has a “kick-it-all mentality” and “holds his head up again” in the decisive situation, while Musiala impresses with his exceptional technique.

For Kroos, one thing is clear: if the German national team is to be successful in the coming years, it needs strong tournament performances from both players. “If Germany wants to win titles in the future, then it will need good tournaments from Musiala and Wirtz in the coming years to have a chance of doing so.”

By Chris Brown