El Mala and Nagelsmann react to youngster’s first Germany call-up

Said El Mala has received his first call-up to Germany’s senior national team. Here’s what the 19-year-old and Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann have to say about his inclusion.

19-year-old 1. FC Köln attacker Said El Mala is proud after receiving his first call-up to the German national team on Thursday. 

“I’m very, very happy to have been called up to the senior national team. It’s a great reward for all the hard work, and I’m proud to represent Köln in the national jersey,” El Mala told 1. FC Köln’s website.

Commenting on the youngster’s inclusion, Germany head coach Julian Nagelsmann said:

“Said El Mala should show his carefreeness and light-heartedness with us. We’re keeping an eye on the talents from our U21s and, in coordination with [U21 coach] Toni Di Salvo, we want to continue giving them the opportunity to present themselves with the senior national team.”