Mika Biereth, a 22-year-old striker, is gaining attention in France for his goal-scoring prowess, making him a potential candidate for the DFB team under Julian Nagelsmann. Despite a close friendship with Jamal Musiala, Biereth has chosen to represent Denmark in the Nations League. After a successful loan at Sturm Graz, where he helped break Red Bull Salzburg’s dominance, he has attracted interest from clubs like AS Monaco, showcasing his exceptional talent and strong heritage ties.
Mika Biereth: The Rising Star Considered for the DFB Team
The talented striker Mika Biereth, just 22 years old, is making headlines in France with his impressive goal-scoring ability. This surge in performance has sparked interest in him as a potential candidate for the national team under coach Julian Nagelsmann.
A Friendship with a Twist
Both Mika Biereth and Jamal Musiala share a deep-rooted friendship that began in their school days in London. They have remained close companions, often communicating on a daily basis. Interestingly, fate could have led them to play together for the German national team, but their paths have taken different directions. While Musiala secured his position in the DFB team, thanks in part to former coach Joachim Löw’s endorsement, Biereth has remained relatively unknown in Germany until now. He has opted to represent Denmark in the upcoming Nations League quarter-final against Portugal.
Similar to Musiala, Biereth’s football journey began in London, albeit at Fulham FC instead of Chelsea. After Musiala’s move to Bayern Munich in 2019, Biereth transitioned to the youth academy of Arsenal FC. However, his career trajectory has been less conventional, featuring multiple loan spells that allowed him to gain valuable experience in both Scotland and the Netherlands.
Breaking Records and Making History
Biereth’s career took a significant turn when he joined Sturm Graz on loan. Initially, his performance numbers seemed modest; he scored only six goals and provided four assists in 18 matches. However, it was his adaptability and work ethic that caught the attention of coaches and fans alike. His high-pressing playing style suited the Austrian team’s tactics perfectly, allowing him to create opportunities for his teammates.
Under the guidance of coach Christian Ilzer, Biereth helped his team break the long-standing dominance of Red Bull Salzburg, culminating in a double victory in Austria. His remarkable performances led to a permanent transfer to Sturm Graz, with the club investing eight million euros—a record fee for them. Since then, Biereth has exploded onto the scene, netting eleven goals and assisting five times in just 16 league appearances, along with two goals in six Champions League matches.
His outstanding form has attracted interest from larger clubs, notably AS Monaco. Under the leadership of coach Adi Hütter, Biereth has continued to shine, scoring ten goals in his first seven matches and surpassing Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s record from 2012. The excitement surrounding his performance has electrified French football, even as Hütter attempts to temper the hype.
With a German-Danish father and a Bosnian mother, Biereth was eligible to represent multiple countries. Nevertheless, he has chosen to play for Denmark, highlighting his strong connection to that part of his heritage. National coach Brian Riemer noted, “Mika feels very Danish,” emphasizing the importance of his family ties and his lifelong dream to proudly represent Denmark.
As for Musiala, he will not have the chance to reunite with his friend on the pitch, as Biereth will not be joining the DFB squad. With key players like Florian Wirtz and Kai Havertz sidelined due to injuries, coach Julian Nagelsmann faces challenges in forming a competitive lineup for the upcoming Nations League matches against Italy and Dortmund. Options such as Tim Kleindienst and Jonathan Burkhardt are being considered, but for now, Biereth will focus on his commitment to Denmark.