By Rune Gjerulff@runegjerulff

Karl backed for Germany World Cup squad by his agent Michael Ballack

Michael Ballack believes his client Lennart Karl deserves serious consideration for Germany’s World Cup squad.
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Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images

As he has so many times this season, 17-year-old Lennart Karl played a key role for Bayern Munich on Sunday, scoring the opener in their 2-2 draw with Mainz.

With Karl taking on an increasingly prominent role at Bayern, some believe he has put himself in contention for Germany’s World Cup squad next year.

Karl’s agent, former Germany international Michael Ballack, certainly sees his client as a serious option.

“What he (Karl) is showing week after week now is truly unusual and exceptional. Whether coming off the bench or starting, he’s doing an outstanding job,” Ballack told DAZN.

“Over the next five to six months, it will become clear where [Germany coach] Julian Nagelsmann will be looking more closely and how he will assemble the squad. But the fact that he has options, and Lennart has already proven that he's more than just one of them.

“I think that if you’re already performing at this level at such a young age, then you clearly have quality. There’s no doubt about that. He’s invested a lot, brings incredible talent, and has a very good left foot,” Ballack added.

Karl made his debut for Germany’s U21 side last month, scoring three goals across two games.

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