Bella-Kotchap to Southampton on record deal

“I was very surprised, but also very happy”

By Jonathan Dicks   @Jonathan_Dicks

Former Bochum star Armel Bella-Kotchap has really impressed Hansi Flick at Southampton and surprisingly earned a call up to the national team.

Bella-Kotchap to Southampton on record deal

Center-back Armel Bella-Kotchap moved from Bochum to Southampton for €11 million this summer and has quickly become their standout defender this season. The 20-year-old’s rapid ascent to one of the top young defenders in world football has caught the attention of Germany coach Hansi Flick, who even nominated Bella-Kotchap to the national team for their September fixtures.
Southampton coach Ralph Hasenhüttl stated to ‘kicker’ that, “He has shown the most constant performances of all my players so far. – (I’m) surprised how quickly he got used to the league.”

At the national team’s hotel in Frankfurt, Bella-Kotchap told reporters he had no clue who was calling when Flick broke the news: “I didn’t know the number. I was very surprised, but also very happy.”

After only 28 games of first division football played in his career, Bella-Kotchap is now likely to receive a chance to play in the World Cup.

More about Armel Bella-Kotchap

Di Salvo’s Juniors feature six returners and one first-time call-up
Confirmed: Bella-Kotchap to Southampton on record deal
Report: Bochum defender set for Southampton switch
Zoller given green light for return against Leverkusen
Bella-Kotchap speaks on youth team’s performance: “Morale is sky high.”
Di Salvo calls up replacement quartet for youth team

More about Southampton

Kicker Magazine: Lacroix remaining in Wolfsburg despite late rumor flurry
Report: Bayern place price tag on Chris Richards amid exit links
Report: Two EPL sides interested in Chris Richards
Sørloth on his way to England?
Thomas Delaney touted for Premier League move
Celtic loanee scouted by three Bundesliga clubs



Source link

About Author