Bayern Munich legend defends Lennart Karl for viral dribble fail: 'Not everything worked for Messi at 17'

"Bayern Munich youngster Lennart Karl suffered a terrible case of aura debt during his team's 5-1 win over Hoffenheim. Late in the game, he was 1v1 on the wing and tried to do stepovers like Cristiano Ronaldo. Only, instead of a graceful display of skill, he accidentally sent the ball through his legs and out of play. In the replay (which we can't show you because the Bundesliga is allergic to its own growth and takes down every clip of anything remotely interesting) Hoffenheim defender Alexander Prass even gives him a thumbs up after the gaffe. How embarrassing."

"The boy is 17 years old, he loves playing soccer, and sometimes makes his opponents look bad. Sometimes it's one trick too many, but we all want to see stuff like that anyway. We're happy when someone wants to show off and imitate the tricks of the superstars. Not everything worked for Messi at 17 either. Let the boys entertain us, even if you sometimes feel a little mocked as an opponent."

"Of course, Messi didn't come onto the scene in the golden age of social media either. (He also didn't say he wanted to sign for Real Madrid someday, but whatever.) Karl has to deal with the stigma of going viral in an era where people are obsessed with things like aura, slander, glaze, and agendas. All Karl can do is pick up and carry on. A goal or two would go a long way to making people forget, and fans will hope he rediscovers his scoring form soon."

Bayern Munich winger Lennart Karl, 17, accidentally sent the ball through his legs while attempting stepovers like Cristiano Ronaldo during a 5-1 win over Hoffenheim. The replay shows Hoffenheim defender Alexander Prass giving Karl a thumbs up after the gaffe. The moment went viral and risked lasting stigma in the social-media era. Lothar Matthäus defended Karl, urging patience and praising entertainers, noting young players imitate superstars and sometimes overdo tricks. Matthäus compared the learning curve to Messi's early struggles and encouraged letting youngsters attempt flair. Karl can only recover by continuing to play and regaining his scoring form.

Read at Bavarian Football Works