German national team head coach Julian Nagelsmann has commented on Said El Mala’s surprise nomination for the German national team. The 19-year-old dribbling artist himself has also released a statement.

Nagelsmann confirmed that El Mala is being rewarded for his performances with the Germany U21s over the September and October international breaks. The German Bundestrainer hopes to give the youngster a proper audition ahead of the forthcoming World Cup. 

El Mala only made his first Bundesliga appearance this year. Despite being used primarily as a substitute (two starts in seven top flight appearances), El Mala leads his team – 1. FC Köln – with four goals through nine matchdays. 

“We are keeping an eye on the talents from our U21 team and, in consultation with Toni Di Salvo, want to give them the chance to show what they can do in the senior national team,” Nagelsmann noted in a statement accompanying the squad announcement. “Said El Mala should show us his carefree and light-hearted side.”

“I am very, very happy to have been nominated for the senior national team,” El Mala added in his own statement. “It’s a great reward for all the hard work and I’m proud to represent Cologne in the national jersey.”