Gary Neville has spoken of his admiration for Jamal Musiala over his decision to leave Chelsea at the age of 16 to join Bayern Munich - and the player has been linked with a Liverpool move.
Musiala came through the Chelsea academy, but elected to quit Cobham in 2019 and move to Bayern on a five-year deal.
The Germany star initially joined Bayern's youth sides, but was quickly called up to the senior team as a result of his rapid development.
And Musiala has gone from strength to strength since then. He made his senior debut in June 2020, becoming the club's youngest-ever Bundesliga player at the age of 17 years and 115 days.
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Then, in his first full season at senior level, the midfielder netted six goals and provided one assist in 26 Bundesliga appearances.
He also notched his first Champions League goal, and then scored a further eight times in all competitions in the following season.
But it is this campaign that has seen Musiala reach new heights. He has fired nine goals and provided six assists in just 14 league appearances, along with two assists in five Champions League group games.
He is currently representing his birth nation, Germany, at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, and starred in their opening group game against Japan despite his side losing 2-1.
And Musiala - who was also eligible to play for England, having lived there between the ages of seven and 16 - received huge praise from Neville.
Neville praises Musiala
Speaking after Germany's 1-1 draw with Spain on World Cup matchday two, Neville had positive words for the midfielder over his decision to depart Chelsea at such a young age.
He told beIN Sports (quotes via HITC): "I admire these lads that leave. Sancho leaving [Man City], Musiala leaving... that they are willing to go to Germany, to Dortmund and to Bayern Munich, and experience that different level.
"Bellingham at Birmingham. Manchester United had Bellingham in the building. In front of all the top brass at Man United, and he chose to go to Dortmund. But look at him now."
He later added: "Chelsea have Pulisic, Havertz, they had Werner. There are loads of them [attacking midfielders/forwards], isn't there? Mount, Ziyech, Gallagher. They have fix six players in the position of Musiala's.
"They are probably thinking, 'We are okay', a year or two ago. Managers at Chelsea couldn't wait two or three years to bring something through, anyway."
Musiala, now aged 19, could return to the Premier League next summer with Liverpool, the Daily Mirror claim.
They report that the Reds are weighing up a move for the Bayern star as a potential alternative to Jude Bellingham, should they not be able to bring in the midfielder from Borussia Dortmund.
Topics: Jamal Musiala, Gary Neville, Bayern Munich, Liverpool, Football World Cup, Germany, Qatar, Chelsea
Ryan Smart