Bello discusses first Bundesliga start: "This league is incredibly fast!"
Speaking to Michael Richter of German footballing magazine Kicker, US international George Bello shared his thoughts on his first Bundesliga start.
With his new German club team struggling with COVID-related issues, newly acquired American fullback George Bello found himself inserted into the DSC Arminia Bielefeld starting XI for the first time against Dortmund last Sunday. For the 20-year-old raised in Georgia, the deployment counted as the fulfillment of a long-held dream.
"When I was allowed to play from the start last Sunday, a dream came true for me," the shine-eyed US international revealed to Michael Richter of German footballing magazine Kicker, "That it was against the BVB, of all teams, made me all the more happier!"
While those marking his performances saw a lot of areas for improvement, most in German footballing circles agree that the tenacious playing style of the youngster is something to behold. Just 1.73 meters (5 ft, 8 in) tall, Bello could routinely be mistaken for someone much taller. The manner in which Bello fearlessly contested aerial duels in particular was quite impressive.
Bello acknowledged that keeping his side "tight" had been a bit of a problem for him. Though Bello made several amazing recovery tackles, yellow-clad opponents skirted by him often.
"This league is incredibly fast," Bello noted, "You have to think faster, work faster, and execute faster. That's a huge difference from the American league."
While Bello encountered his fair share of defensive issues, he was often wide open on forward runs. The manner in which Bello kept pace with the attack certainly showed his potential as a modern outside line player. The youngster has clearly been schooled very well in the contemporary art of a fullback's game and definitely possesses the basic skill set it requires.
"Even if it's only a start," Bello noted when asked about future starting prospects, "I liked the challenge and will keep growing. On the pitch, I first had to get used to the pace and intensity. In the Bundesliga, it's really a different level!"
Bello also answered questions about his acclimatization in Germany was going.
"I miss my family," he conceded, "It's difficult to move to a foreign country. But, I've gotten used to it. My teammates have helped me a lot and the people here are so friendly. I was amazed at how friendly they are. It wasn't a big culture shock because I think I fit in well here."
When it came time to speak directly to his fellow Americans interested in making a move to the Bundesrepublik, Bello was unequivocal.
"Many dream of moving to the Bundesliga, but don't trust their own abilities," he noted, "I want to encourage them to do so. Self-confidence is the key!"