Max Eberl has made a clear statement on FC Bayern’s up-and-coming talents ahead of the start of the new year. The sporting director sees great potential, but also tricky decisions.
While the Bayern professionals are preparing for the Bundesliga restart against VfL Wolfsburg, the focus is also increasingly shifting to the youngsters. At the pre-match press conference, Eberl was open and emphasised the individual planning of each player: „With Christoph, Vinnie and myself, there are three people in charge who all had to work their way up through the youth system themselves. We are proceeding cautiously, but also prudently.“ He pointed out how important match practice is for the development of the youngsters. According to Eberl, the path of each individual is decisive for the next step in their career.
One name in particular stood out: „Lennart Karl is the rising star at the moment.“ The 17-year-old attacking player has already impressed on several occasions this season and is regarded as the top talent in the Bayern squad. He is expected to play a leading role in the Munich squad.
Loans are also conceivable for the other talents, provided they help the players to develop further. „It’s important that they get playing time when we loan them out,“ emphasised Eberl. The right environment is always crucial here. Jonah Kusi-Asare, who has hardly been able to get any playing time so far following his loan to Fulham FC, currently serves as a negative example.
Individual paths instead of one-size-fits-all solutions
The youngsters recently caused a stir in the winter test against RB Salzburg. Karl contributed two goals and an assist in the 5-0 win, underlining his status as an outstanding attacking talent. Felipe Chávez and David Santos Daiber also used their minutes to recommend themselves. Chávez set up a goal and later scored himself, while Santos Daiber impressed in defensive midfield with his overview and composure.
However, the challenge for coach Vincent Kompany remains: the squad has a strong line-up in many positions and playing time is hard-fought. For talents like Chávez, who impressed with strong scoring figures at Bayern II and in the U19s, a competitive debut remains a goal.
„It’s important that each individual finds the right next step for themselves. We look at each player individually,“ continued Eberl. A sentence that makes it clear that Bayern is not looking for blanket solutions. Especially for players like Santos Daiber, who have already been able to earn their first Bundesliga minutes, it’s now about establishing themselves permanently in the professional game.
Eberl emphasized how valuable it is that young talents are already being supported at a high level: „It’s great to see such boys playing in Salzburg and to see that the quality is there.“