Jamala Musiala was never really known for his headers. The most attention the Bayern Munich star’s ability to head the ball got was when he scored with his head in a Bundesliga game against VFL Wolfsburg, just after a clip of him practicing headerswith former Bayern coach Hermann Gerland gained a lot of traction. But the moment was brief and attention shifted back to the dazzling magic in Musiala’s feet.
However, in a season of plentiful steps forward, Musiala’s heading has garnered increased attention again. Bayern and Germany fans have witnessed, with increasing delight, the former Chelsea FC youngster’s rather distinctive headed goal celebration multiple times already this season. So what changed?
“It’s more about positioning than about practicing headers,” the German international explained, via @iMiaSanMia. “I go into the box more often, my new position makes that possible. I want to be ready for easy goals, tap-ins or crosses. I’ve learned a lot from Harry Kane and Thomas Müller, including in video sessions. Thomas said to me: ‘You’ve got the height to score headers! Use that.’”
The comments from Müller are rather interesting. They are words he probably heard himself, growing up as a tall but gangly kid in the Bayern academy, ones the Bayern legend took to heart to become the aerial threat in the box he is today. If Musiala can achieve half the amount of damage Müller did with his deceiving height and aerial threat, then he can be proud of himself.
