He witnessed the old U21s winning the title first-hand, and now centre-back Armel Bella Kotchap wants to repeat the feat with the new crop.
It’s not exactly the norm for a centre-back just 19 years young to already have as much playing experience at a high level as Armel Bella Kotchap. Last season, the defender from Bochum made 28 appearances, contributing to VfL’s promotion, and in the current first division season, he already has six appearances to his name.
And yet Bella Kotchap sees himself as a learner. “Being in the right place at the right time is a bit of luck in football,” explains the homegrown, who was immediately shown a lot of confidence. “I’ve always tried to implement everything I was given from an early age. I want to show that I’m willing to learn.”
Also in the U-21 national team. “The coach said that he could still see a few things that needed adjusting, which meant that others played first, and that I should continue to work on myself in training. On technical things and in my build-up play, where I still have potential for development. I’m happy to accept criticism from experienced people. “
Van Dijk – “pretty rustic, mostly fair “
In addition, he also studies his role models “in documentaries or games” to see “what they are particularly good at, what do I have to work on so that I can maybe go that way”. Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk is his idol, “he has a pretty rustic game, mostly fair. I try to learn from role models like that”.
In this development, Bella Kotchap has also learned the ropes in the Bundesliga. “I try to play my best in every game. It’s not that easy to get into the Bundesliga as a promoted player,” assures the talent, “we knew it would be hard, but the clear goal is to stay in the class.”
For this, a trend-setting promotion duel in Fürth is coming up next weekend. “Maximilian Bauer and Jamie Leweling are also Fürth boys in the U21s, so we’re all looking forward to this game with relative excitement,” says Bella Kotchap, “but we’re not putting ourselves under any particular pressure in our club. It’s an important game, we’re trying to bag the three points, it’s going to be a battle like in a second division top game.” Before that, however, the U21s have their next European Championship qualifier in Szeged, Hungary, on Tuesday (LIVE! from 17.30 on kicker).
“It’s a privilege “
In the long term, the Bochum player wants to continue to improve in order to get more playing practice at the U21 level as well. After all, he was able to experience the previous generation’s title win up close in standby mode. “That was a great experience for me, I’m very grateful for that, it’s a privilege to be here and to be able to wear the Germany jersey,” says the son of former professional and Cameroon international Cyrill Bella, “I hope that more great successes come along and we can make the tournament like that again, that would be a wonderful conclusion. “