"He hardly needs stepovers” - Jamal Musiala makes feelings known about watching Lionel Messi dribble while growing up

Bayern Munich star Jamal Musiala opened up about his ability to dribble past opponents efficiently on Thursday, January 2 (via MiaSanMia and Bavarian Football Works.) The 21-year-old attacking midfielder is noted for his impressive skills with the ball at his feet, especially in one-on-one situations.

Musiala has been in excellent form this season, scoring 14 goals in 22 appearances for Bayern across all competitions. The youngster has also picked up six assists, which goes to show how big of a creative influence he is on the side. His returns have personally been highest in the Bundesliga, where he has netted nine.

“I practised it as a kid. My father would put the cones out for me in the garden or in the park and I would have to dribble around them, over and over again. It sounds boring, but I enjoyed it. And I noticed how it helped my game because I felt comfortable dribbling,” Musiala stated, via @iMiaSanMia.

“Lionel Messi and Neymar (are my heroes). I don’t dribble like Neymar, but I liked his confidence. With Messi it’s more natural, he hardly needs stepovers. Those were the two I used to watch the most videos of,” he added.

"I watch less football than I used to" - Jamal Musiala

When asked if there are any current players whom he looks up from time to time to see them dribble, Musiala responded in the negative. However, he also mentioned that he watches far less football now than he used to in the past.

“I can’t think of anyone right now. But I also watch less football than I used to,” remarked Musiala.

Musiala has an extraordinary CV for a 21-year-old, having won the Bundesliga four times, as well as the UEFA Champions League once. He has also won the FIFA Club World Cup. Interestingly, he was a part of the Chelsea U18 side before moving to Bavaria, where Bayern took him up in their youth system.

He rose through the ranks at the Allianz Arena and made his senior debut for the club in 2020. Musiala has scored a total of 57 goals in 185 matches for Bayern so far. That he looked up to Lionel Messi is no surprise given that the latter has been an inspiration to thousands of young footballers across the world.

Messi, a World Cup winner with Argentina in 2022 and a Copa America winner in 2021 and 2024, has been widely proclaimed to be among the best players in the world. He currently plays for Inter Miami in the MLS. Messi ended his previous campaign with 23 goals and 13 assists in 25 games across all competitions.