'Robert Lewandowski copied my technique!' - Thomas Muller admits his penalty taking 'declined' because he 'overdid it' as Vancouver Whitecaps star explains why he took match-winning spot kick in MLS

Muller scored a dramatic match-winning penalty in the 14th minute of stoppage time to seal a 3-2 victory for his new club, Vancouver Whitecaps, against St. Louis City, fooling former Borussia Dortmund goalkeeper Roman Burki to open his account in his first start for the MLS side.

Muller was once the first-choice penalty taker at Bayern Munich but was eventually replaced by Lewandowski after missing crucial spot-kicks, notably in the 2016 DFB-Pokal final and at Euro 2016. The 35-year-old revealed that he took the vital penalty for Vancouver despite Brian White being the designated taker, citing his experience and a sense of responsibility in the high-pressure moment.

Speaking on Lewandowski copying his technique, Muller told reporters: "There were reasons why I was no longer the number one penalty taker at FC Bayern. My percentage has declined somewhat over the years. I think I overdid it with the techniques in the end. With Lewandowski, it was the other way around. He copied my technique and improved it. He also outfoxed goalkeepers, but took the penalty even more firmly."

On his decision to take the kick, he added: "Of course, I continued practicing penalties in private. I wasn't supposed to be Vancouver's first taker, since Brian White had already converted the first one. But as an experienced player, I do see myself as responsible, and that's why I took the penalty."

After his heroic start to life in MLS, Muller will aim to help Vancouver build momentum as they continue their campaign. The World Cup winner has already established himself as a key player and will be central to the Whitecaps' push for a playoff position. Muller also confirmed he will briefly return to Germany in the coming days to "pack a few extra pairs of underwear."