Germany coach Hansi Flick has admitted he wanted to “get a first-hand impression” of Southampton defender Armel Bella Kotchap, hence his call-up to the squad for this international break.
The youngster was a surprise inclusion in the Germany squad last week, his first call up to the senior side.
He’s been brought into the squad ahead of experienced competition, something that has caused plenty of discussion in Germany.
Several articles have made it clear that Flick and his team have been watching Bella Kotchap since his move to Southampton this summer.
They’ve also been taking in opinions of the player from those who know him best, including Southampton manager Ralph Hassenhuttl and Germany Under 21 coach Antonio Di Salvo.
There’s been positive reports on the 20-year-old, so much so that Flick elected to change his plans and name a 24-man squad rather than 23.
The Germany coach wanted to see the defender up close and personal, hence his inclusion in the latest squad.
“Armel Bella Kotchap has developed very well,” Dresdner Morgenpost report him saying.
“(I wanted to) get a first-hand impression. It is also important for us to know what will come next.
“He defends well at Southampton and in the Premier League, that says a lot.”
