Germany and Köln legend believes Said El Mala could “become a truly special player”

German World Cup winner Wolfgang Overath believes Said El Mala has extraordinary potential.

At just 19, Said El Mala has fought his way into 1. FC Köln’s starting lineup and earned his first call-up to Germany’s senior national team.

Germany and Köln legend Wolfgang Overath has followed the young attacker with keen interest and believes a bright future awaits him – if he plays his cards right.

“With the dynamism he carries the ball with, he doesn’t stumble, he cuts inside, takes the shot and scores. If he keeps a level head, he has the potential to become a truly special player,” Overath told Krone Zeitung.

According to Overath, both El Mala and Bayern’s Lennart Karl, 17, could play a role at next year’s World Cup despite their young age.

“Hopefully, he can handle all the hype that’s surrounding him right now,” Overath added.

“The same goes for the young [Lennart] Karl at Bayern Munich. There’s no such thing as too young – I was already in the national team at 19, just like [Franz] Beckenbauer,” said Overath, who won the World Cup with Germany in 1974.

El Mala has scored six goals and provided three assists in 17 matches for 1. FC Köln this season.