Former manager Hasenhuttl labels Southampton international a 'monster'

The 20-year-old summer arrival at St Mary’s was one of the success stories of the season so far despite Hasenhuttl’s eventual sacking.

The ex-RB Leipzig manager Hasenhuttl was relieved of his duties after nearly four years at Saints following a run of four wins in 26 and a 4-1 home defeat to Newcastle United.

Nathan Jones has already been appointed as his replacement and has taken his first game in charge, while Hasenhuttl has been speaking about the young gem he signed.

Read more: Jones will be keen to make early Premier League impression - could be key

“He’s a monster,” the Austrian told German publication Bild, of Bella-Kotchap, who is in Qatar for his first international call-up despite a dislocated shoulder in October.

“He’s very strong in one-on-one situations and he’s very fast. You can defend well with him. He plays good passes into the final third, even over longer distances.”

Hasenhuttl added: “His heading game can be improved. But it was very impressive how he asserted himself in the strongest league in the world.”

Bella-Kotchap struggled last time out versus Liverpool, in the 3-1 defeat, but cost just £9million to acquire from Bundesliga side VFL Bochum in the summer.

Both he and centre-back partner Mohammed Salisu are at the World Cup and are the only current Saints representatives to feature in the tournament. 

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