Imagine being able to say Michael Ballack is your agent.
Highly rated young winger Lennart Karl joined Bayern Munich in 2022 from Aschaffeburg, having previously had a stint at EIntracht Frankfurt. At just 14, the youngster suffered bouts of homesickness and understandably struggled in his first year in Munich. In the following two years, however, Karl has progressed at a very fast rate and it sees him put up some phenomenal stats, racking up 32 goals and 10 assists in just 26 games for both the U-17 and U-19 teams.
With his progression to relative notability in Munich came the addition of a rather notable agent. Asked about his agent Michael Ballack, Karl elaborated on the relationship the two have: “We communicate regularly—whether in person or on the phone. Michael was a world-class player and a consummate professional, from whom I can learn a lot,” the fleet footed winger said, via Bayern’s official website. “He gives me valuable tips, telling me, for example, to stay true to my style of play and be authentic. But he also openly addresses where I need to improve—for example, in my defensive play.”
But Ballack, a world class midfielder in his prime, is not young Karl’s role model. Does he have one? “Yes, Martin Ødegaard,” Karl said, before explaining that there are many qualities he and the Arsenal FC captain share. “He’s also left-footed, plays as a playmaker, has good vision, and a good finish. He was also a target of a big club (Real Madrid) from an early age and ultimately developed into a world-class player after several loan spells. He’s shown that patience and mentality are essential in addition to talent. But I definitely want to make it here at FC Bayern and one day play for the club in the Champions League.”
Of course, Ødegaard’s truly big break came by moving away from the big club and moving to a smaller address. Hopefully, Karl will not follow his idol’s lead in this regard. But, if his statement is to be believed, he wants to succeed in Munich.
