On top of Di Salvo’s notepad
©IMAGO
Triple goalscorer Tom Bischof beamed with joy as he high-fived double-packer Lennart Karl after the U21 goal festival. The young stars of FC Bayern Munich gave the German Football Association’s selection a liberating victory in the tricky European Championship qualification. “It wasn’t just the Bayern block that did it well, but everyone on the pitch did it very well,” said leader Bischof, who fulfilled the role of captain in an exemplary manner in the 6-0 win over Malta, not only because of his three goals.
After his first hat-trick in men’s football, Bischof was happy to grab the match ball as a trophy. “I still had two big chances, but I’ll give it to him,” said the 17-year-old Karl on “Sat.1” after his own dream debut with the U21. Goals for FC Bayern in the Champions League and Bundesliga, now two in the first U21 international match. “Of course I’m in top form right now. Everything is working out at Bayern, everything is working out here,” said Karl, who was recently able to increase his market value from 1.5 million to 20 million euros. The hype? According to his own words, no problem for him. However, he wasn’t supposed to give interviews; Karl only spoke in front of the TV camera.
Player comparison
FC Bayern Munich
FC Bayern Munich
€20.00 million
Market value
€30.00 million
Offensive midfield
position
Central midfield
June 30, 2028
Contract until
June 30, 2029
For the complete player comparison
“He goes out on the pitch and plays his game. You need cheeky boys like that,” said Bischof. “The boy did really well today, even at Bayern. When he has the ball, you just know that something good is coming.” The bishop, who acted in the captaincy role together with Finn Jeltsch from Stuttgart, also revealed a weakness in Karl. The team junior still has to pay for the great debut, said the midfield boss. “For sure. He doesn’t want to sing.” Karl was “too scared” for that.
U21 coach Di Salvo and his notes: Karl collects plus points
There is no sign of fear on the pitch. Karl advances in his career at a rapid pace, leaving even his opponents standing. “In general, he was refreshing,” explained national coach Antonio Di Salvo. But Karl is also “a young boy who still has a lot to learn.” The “decent game” was a well-chosen understatement before the next game of the European Championship qualification on Tuesday in Georgia.
Karl “heaved himself up on my notepad” on his debut, says Di Salvo. Captain Bishop has been at the forefront there for a long time. “He took the reins and had decisive actions,” stated the coach. After the game, Bischof did it like FC Bayern’s top striker: “I’ll have everyone sign the ball now, I learned that from Harry Kane.”
Karl also has a lot to learn because he had to retake an exam during the international break. “I think I wrote a B or A in English,” said the 17-year-old. “That’s why everything fell into place. I clear my head from school – and then everything falls into place on the pitch.”