Germany U21 defender Joshua Quarshie is looking forward to a special homecoming when Antonio Di Salvo’s side take on Belgium at the Stadion an der Hafenstraße in Essen on Friday evening. The 22-year-old Sturm Graz centre-back also had some amusing words about new teammate Tom Ritzy Hülsmann at Thursday’s pre-match press conference in Düsseldorf.

Speaking at the press event attended in person by Get German Football News, Quarshie reflected on his connections to Rot-Weiss Essen, where he previously played at youth level. The well-travelled Southampton professional already had a different homecoming to commemorate last year, but is now within a stone’s throw of his native Duisburg preparing to play at the Stadion an der Hafenstraße, the ground of his old academy club.

Quarshie also spoke about his younger brother James Gnagnon, who is currently part of RWE’s first-team setup. One of the undisputed regulars and leaders within the Germany U21 set-up, Quarshie was joined at Thursday’s press conference by head coach Antonio Di Salvo, with DFB press spokesperson Markus Beer moderating proceedings.

Quarshie no longer the tallest player in the Germany U21 squad

Beer introduced Quarshie as a towering presence in the German defence, joking that the 1.96-metre centre-back could no longer claim to be the tallest member of the squad. That distinction now belongs to Stade Reims goalkeeper Tom Ritzy Hülsmann, who stands an imposing 2.05 metres tall.

The goalkeeper’s extraordinary height had already provided plenty of amusement during Tuesday’s DFB press conference, when Muhammed Damar and Maurice Krattenmacher shared entertaining accounts of meeting their new teammate. Beer returned to the subject on Thursday, asking Quarshie what it was like to encounter someone who could finally meet him at eye level.

“I don’t think it was even quite eye level. He was actually a little taller,” Quarshie joked.

The defender admitted that the experience of having to look upward at another player had felt rather unusual. He described the sensation of suddenly finding himself confronted by someone standing in front of him like a giant. Quarshie acknowledged that some people are simply taller and more broadly built than others, taking the unusual experience in good humour.

A special homecoming as Germany U21s hope for another lively atmosphere

Beer later turned his attention to Quarshie’s connections to Essen, where the Germany U21 team will play their first home international since successfully qualifying for next summer’s European Championship. The centre-back spent time in Rot-Weiss Essen’s youth academy, representing the club at U17 and U19 level before joining Hoffenheim in 2022.

His younger brother James Gnagnon has followed a similar developmental pathway and recently earned a professional contract with RWE.

“My younger brother plays at Rot-Weiss Essen, now with the first team,” Quarshie explained at Thursday’s press conference.

The defender also emphasized his personal connections to the region. Originally from Duisburg, Quarshie grew up approximately twenty minutes from Essen and still has friends and family in the area. Friday’s fixture therefore represents an opportunity to return to familiar surroundings while representing his country.

Quarshie also spoke warmly about the Stadion an der Hafenstraße, a venue he remembers from his earlier footballing experiences.

“I think the stadium is really well built,” the defender explained, praising the atmosphere generated by the club’s supporters. Quarshie noted that even comparatively modest crowds can produce an impressive atmosphere at the Hafenstraße, emphasizing the reputation of Rot-Weiss Essen’s passionate fanbase.

Beer confirmed that more than 9,000 tickets had already been sold for Friday’s fixture against Belgium.

Germany’s previous home international attracted an exceptionally large crowd. A total of 20,049 spectators attended the U21s’ 2-0 victory over Georgia in Bielefeld on October 6, which secured Di Salvo’s side direct qualification for next summer’s European Championship.

The attendance represented the largest crowd at a Germany U21 home fixture in more than two decades. Supporters generated a lively atmosphere at the SchücoArena, with Mexican waves and coordinated chanting accompanying Germany’s qualification-clinching victory.

Quarshie featured in the encounter, delivering a solid defensive performance and seeing what would have been Germany’s second goal ruled out following a foul in the build-up.

Friday’s match in Essen offers another opportunity for Germany’s youngsters to play in front of an enthusiastic home crowd. For Quarshie, it also promises to be a particularly memorable occasion, given his personal connections to the club and the surrounding region.