Southampton defender Armel Bella-Kotchap is making a positive early impression on the Germany setup.
That’s according to manager Hansi Flick, who has continued to praise the defender following his surprise call-up last week.
The 20-year-old was the big surprise inclusion in Flick’s squad for the international break, earning his first call-up to the senior team ahead of experienced competition such as Mats Hummels.
It’s caused a huge debate in Germany, with outlets explaining why the Southampton man has been called up and questioning Flick on it at every opportunity.
He’s since explained that it’s because he wants to take a close look at the player for himself having received positive reviews from the U21s, his assistant and Southampton manager Ralph Hassenhuttl.
And it seems Bella-Kotchap has taken the opportunity with both hands, with Flick explaining both the management and players have been impressed by what they’ve seen so far.
“He has shown himself very well here, he is very self-confident,” Kicker report him saying.
“The time at Southampton has done him good. The way he plays is also good for us.
“(He is) someone who loves to act defensively, to fight in tackles, to defend the goal. He has very good physical attributes, is fast and strong in the head. We like that a lot.
“He has made a very good impression – not only on us coaches, but also on the players. It was just right to see him in this international phase.”
