Bayern Munich manager Vincent Kompany has praised rising star Lennart Karl after the teenager delivered another statement performance in the Bavarians’ UEFA Champions League win over Sporting CP on Tuesday night.
Karl was at the heart of Bayern’s 3-1 comeback at the Allianz Arena, firing them ahead in the 69th minute to continue his remarkable scoring run on the continent.
His strike came after Serge Gnabry cancelled out an early own goal from Joshua Kimmich, while Jonathan Tah later wrapped up the victory to push Bayern joint-top of the league phase standings ahead of Arsenal’s trip to Club Brugge.
The night ultimately belonged to Karl, who at just 17 years and 290 days, became the youngest player in Champions League history, since the modern era began in 1992, to score in three straight appearances.
The win also extended Bayern’s stunning Champions League home streak in league/group-stage fixtures, with the Bavarians now undefeated in 37 matches on their turf, a run dating back to 2013.
Kompany hailed Karl’s impact after the match, highlighting both his maturity and his influence during key moments. The Bayern boss, however, suggested the teenager still had even more to offer.
“Lennart is always dangerous. To be honest, he’s played better games for us, but he’s always there,” Kompany told DAZN.
“When he gets his moments, he just finishes. That’s important for us.”
Experienced Bayern defender Kimmich, who happens to be Karl’s compatriot suggested that the youngster’s performances should lead to a place in the Germany set-up.
“I assume that Lenny will continue to get playing time with us,” Kimmich said.
“Currently, he has broken into the starting eleven, and every regular player at Bayern Munich – especially now, the way we are playing – also belongs in the national team.”
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