There remains a perception that Chelsea didn't know what they had in Jamal Musiala. That Neil Bath, Jim Fraser, and a number of hugely experienced and respected coaches in the club's academy somehow misjudged the youngster's vast potential and allowed him to join Bayern Munich. Of course, the reality is very different.
Musiala joined Chelsea in 2011 and spent his early years travelling to Cobham from the south coast with good friend Levi Colwill. The two progressed through the academy ranks alongside the likes of Tino Livramento, Lewis Bate, Dion Rankine and Xavier Simons. All were expected to agree to scholarships in the summer of 2019.
There was a slight concern over Musiala's physique but never his talent. And it's understood Chelsea were ready to hand the young midfielder a scholarship that included a professional contract that became active on his 17th birthday. It was an offer that was never taken up.
READ MORE Chelsea risk Jude Bellingham transfer failure as Paul Pogba problem emerges for Graham Potter
Musiala instead opted to join Bayern Munich and return to Germany, the country he was born and lived in until he was seven years old. His development in the three years since has been as rapid as it has been exciting. The 19-year-old is now a key figure in the Bayern side and a regular for Germany – and it was no surprise he was included in his country's World Cup squad.
"When he is on the field, this is like Lionel Messi three years ago," Germany's record-appearance maker Lothar Matthaus said in an interview with the Daily Mail back in September. "He has everything: fast, good dribbling, the last pass, he can score. He gets the ball and always goes forward. He is becoming a complete player. In the future, he will be one of the very best players in the world."
Ahead of Germany's World Cup opener against Japan, Musiala was asked about his style being Messi-like. Naturally and wisely, the teenager was keen to distance himself from the suggestion.
"Being compared to Messi is always a great honour," Musiala said after a disbelieving chuckle. "Messi has been playing at the top level his whole life. It's difficult for any player to compare themselves to Messi. I just want to focus on myself and what I can do better as Jamal – and I'll just keep on going."
The Messi comparison is born out of Musiala's mastery of the ball. He possesses a rare blend of balance, composure and technique and it enables him to wriggle out of the tightest of spaces on the pitch or slalom beyond challenges in a crowded penalty area – something that was highlighted against Japan.
Hansi Flick's side unexpectedly lost the game 2-1 but Musiala was undoubtedly his country's standout performer. He was always willing to take on possession and drive forward, always willing to take risks in the final third. The only thing his game lacked was a killer instinct in the penalty box; he twice blazed over from good positions having evaded several players.
Germany take on Spain in their next World Cup fixture. It is one they have to win in order to progress to the knockout stage of the tournament. Musiala will be under pressure to deliver., but recent history suggests he will be up to the challenge.
READ NEXT:
Todd Boehly urged to make N'Golo Kante decision after unexpected World Cup bonus for Chelsea
Chelsea news: Wonderkid scores stunning goal as Graham Potter finds Thiago Silva successor
Chelsea already have ideal Thiago Silva successor to avoid £165.8m summer transfer repeat
Chelsea starlet sends Graham Potter World Cup message with sensational goal
Chelsea news and transfers LIVE: Latest news, rumours and gossip from Stamford Bridge
