'Absolutely a team player' - Bayern jump to 'world-class' Jamal Musiala's defence following 'absurd and far-fetched' criticism from Dietmar Hamann

Hamann, a former midfielder for Bayern and Liverpool, is well-known for his outspoken opinions on the game and most recently, he disparaged Musiala drawing comparisons to Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz. The former Germany international stated: "Musiala is a solo entertainer" in an article for Sky Germany. "If I could swap Wirtz and Musiala from Bayern’s point of view, I would do it tomorrow". Freund has now risen to Musiala's defence as he labelled Hamann's criticism as 'absurd'.

Speaking to the media, Freund said: "Why is he being criticised? I find it a bit absurd and far-fetched to think that someone has such an opinion. In other countries, such young players with such potential would be highly praised and you are grateful to have such players for your country.

"We at FC Bayern are extremely happy to have such a player with us. Jamal Musiala is world-class. A truly exceptional player. Jamal is a player that spectators go to the stadium to watch because of how he plays football.

"He decides games, but he is absolutely a team player. He is exceptional. He can become one of the best players in the world. Both FC Bayern and Germany can count themselves lucky to have him."

Musiala joined Bayern from Chelsea in 2019, and he has since established himself as a crucial player for both the club and the country. During the summer break, there was a lot of conjecture about his future involving teams like Manchester City and Real Madrid, among others. Bayern want to extend the midfielder's contract, which is scheduled to expire in 2026.

The German international will return to Bayern's starting lineup for their first game since the international break as they take on newly promoted Holstein Kiel on Saturday, September 14.