BT pundits pick out 'next Rooney and Kaka' as Champions League talents hailed

15 February 2023 , 06:06

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BT Sport's pundits looked at two stars of the future (Image: BT Sport)

Bayern Munich starlet Jamal Musiala and Paris Saint-Germain prodigy Warren Zaire-Emery have been compared to Kaka and Wayne Rooney respectively after their Champions League clash.

Germany international Musiala, 19, helped Bayern sneak a 1-0 victory in the round-of-16 first leg, as PSG manager Christophe Galtier boldly handed a start to 16-year-old Zaire-Emery. The duo have each enjoyed star-making seasons and prompted the BT Sport punditry team to compare them to some modern greats.

Speaking ahead of the European heavyweights' bout, Joe Cole said of French midfielder Zaire-Emery: "He's an incredible talent. Physically he reminds me of Wayne Rooney, the size of his thighs at just 16. He's a man already. We were talking about his mindset.

"Usually, when you score your first goal, you lost your mind completely, but he just strolls away, cool as you like. His manager, Galtier, has said he's not far off the level of his front three ( Lionel Messi, Neymar and Kylian Mbappe )."

Owen Hargreaves echoed Cole's lofty praise, saying: "I think with young players they don't really fear. They have never experienced failure. His selection shows you, this kid is in form, the players and manager trust him. He looks up to the task."

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Then it was onto Bayern's Musiala, who featured for Germany at the World Cup after turning down the chance to play for England, where he spent nine years growing up while in Chelsea 's youth academy. "Fabulous player, one of the best young players in the world," former Manchester United ace Hargreaves began. "He plays as a number 10. Musiala is their top scorer this season.

Have your say! Do you agree with the pundits? Let us know your verdict in the comments section.

Warren Zaire-Emery started for PSG at the tender age of 16 (Markus Gilliar - GES Sportfoto/Getty Images)

Jamal Musiala, 19, is already a key player for Bayern Munich (Alex Grimm/Getty Images)

"Bayern's star player this season has been Musiala. I like everything [about him]. He reminds me of Kaka. Kaka in our time was the greatest number 10 in the game. You shouldn't get out of the areas he does, he's got speed, size and is a good finisher. He could easily decide the game. Him playing ahead of [Thomas] Muller, tells you all you need to know."

Ex-Chelsea star Cole went on to say: "Being the main man at Bayern at 19 is unbelievable. I coached him at Chelsea a few times and you could tell he was going to be a player. He's added the ability to get into the box to his game. He's the main man, he will be crucial for Bayern if he has to break the lines and get them out if they're pinned back by PSG."

Fellow pundit Joleon Lescott, formerly of Everton and Manchester City, added: "He's outstanding. His feet and balance... it's a joy to watch. 14 goals for Bayern. Taken the responsibility since [Robert] Lewandowski left for Barcelona last summer."

Nathan Ridley