Thomas Müller certainly looked good in the new Germany kit. The youngster, who was officially part of the senior national squad for the first time at a get-together in Stuttgart earlier this week, posed for promotional shoots and completed a programme of fitness tests, clad in his country’s latest kit design. “I really enjoyed being there. It was all very positive,” he said on Wednesday after returning to Munich.
Little more than six months ago, the 20-year-old was virtually unknown outside the circle of truly die-hard Bayern fans, but Müller is approaching household name status now, at least in the German footballing family. In his very first season with the seniors, he has claimed a regular berth in Louis van Gaal’s team – and he is second only to 12-goal Mario Gomez in the club scoring chart, as he has 10 in all competitions, six of them in the Bundesliga. Müller coolly converted the first of his side’s three goals in Bremen at the weekend.
Debut can wait
His call-up to the national squad was not really a surprise, “although it’s a real honour, especially as I’m still so young,” he remarked. “I’m proud because it’s a special form of recognition.” However, Müller is not exaggerating the significance of the gathering. “It wasn’t very interesting in sporting terms, and neither was it such an eye-opening training course that I’d say I’m on course to win the World Cup.”
Talking of which, Müller’s explosive form since making the big time with Bayern this term has naturally prompted an excited debate as to whether Germany boss Joachim Löw might pick him for the summer showdown in South Africa. The youngster was originally scheduled to make his senior international debut last autumn, but the fixture in question was cancelled in the wake of Robert Enke’s tragic death.
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