Bayern say Hamann's criticism on Musiala is 'absurd'

Bayern Munich have said that they are lucky to have a player like Jamal Musiala after the midfielder was criticized by TV pundit and former midfielder Dietmar Hamann.

"Why he is being criticized by people who hold such an opinion, I find a bit absurd and far-fetched," Bayern sporting director Christoph Freund said in a news conference on Friday.

"We're extremely happy to have a player like him in the squad. Jamal is a player who people come to watch. He can decide games and is also an absolute team player.

"He can be one of the best in the world and both Bayern and Germany should consider themselves lucky to have him in their ranks. He will shape the next decade for Germany and hopefully for Bayern too," Freund added.

Coach Vincent Kompany also praised his player: "Jamal should just carry on in the same way and not change anything. We're delighted to have him. He can become one of the three or four best players in the world."

Hamann said in his column for broadcasters Sky on Wednesday that Musiala is a "individualistic," "solo performer" that doesn't make players around him better.

He added that if Bayern could swap Musiala for Bayer Leverkusen's Florian Wirtz they should do it as soon as possible.