Yann Aurel Bisseck, a 24-year-old defender for Inter Milan, is poised to make his debut for the German national team this Thursday, as they face Italy in the Nations League quarterfinal at the iconic San Siro stadium in Milan. This match marks a significant moment in Bisseck's career, who is excited yet humble about his selection into the national squad.
"Es ist ein schönes Gefühl, dass die Leistung anerkannt wird und ich jetzt das erste Mal bei der A-Nationalmannschaft dabei sein darf," Bisseck expressed, highlighting his pride in being recognized for his hard work. The upcoming match will be especially meaningful for him as it takes place in his current home ground, where he has spent significant moments playing for Inter Milan.
Bisseck's journey to this point has not been straightforward. Making his Bundesliga debut just three days before his 17th birthday, he quickly garnered attention as one of Germany's promising young talents. However, a series of challenges followed, including being loaned out to teams in lower divisions: Holstein Kiel in Germany, Roda Kerkrade in the Netherlands, and Vitoria Guimarães in Portugal, where he faced injury setbacks and doubts about his future in professional football.
In an unexpected turn, it was his stint with Aarhus GF in Denmark that revived his career. Under the guidance of German coach Uwe Rösler, Bisseck showcased his defensive skills, which led to Inter Milan paying seven million euros for him in 2023. This remarkable career turnaround has placed him in the spotlight once again, especially as he prepares for his first match with the national team and has already played 30 matches across all competitions this season.
Reflecting on his current opportunity, Bisseck remarked, "Bei der WM 2026 wäre ich 25 Jahre alt. Das ist ein gutes Alter, um ein großes internationales Turnier zu spielen." His aspirations for the FIFA World Cup in 2026 demonstrate his forward-thinking mentality, balancing his immediate goals with future ambitions.
Bisseck's sentiments regarding the match against Italy reflect his respect for their tactical expertise, making it clear that he is fully aware of the team's caliber. "Die Italiener werden taktisch gut geschult und sehr gut vorbereitet sein. Sie werden einen genauen Matchplan haben. Das wird keine einfache Partie," he noted, emphasizing the challenges his team will face.
As a newcomer, Bisseck recognizes the need to acclimatize quickly to the national team environment. He expressed a desire to learn from his more experienced teammates like Antonio Rüdiger and Jonathan Tah, acknowledging the wealth of knowledge they possess, stating, "Von Rüdiger und Tah kann ich mir sehr viel abgucken. Sie haben viel Erfahrung, machen es sehr gut." His eagerness to absorb insights reflects the humility he carries into this prestigious setting.
Despite his young age, Bisseck has already made substantial contributions to Inter Milan, with 18 appearances in Serie A, in addition to key roles in the Champions League and domestic cups. His success has not only solidified his position at the club but has also caught the attention of national selectors. Coach Julian Nagelsmann described Bisseck as having a "guten, interessanten Karriereverlauf", signaling the faith he has in the young defender's potential.
Beyond his immediate focus on the Nations League, Bisseck also acknowledged the upcoming Champions League quarterfinal clash against FC Bayern. His confidence remains high, stating, "Ich bin sehr zuversichtlich. Wir sind eine starke Truppe, Bayern hat sehr starke Spieler. Wir müssen vor nichts Angst haben und ich bin mir sicher, dass wir auch eine sehr starke Mannschaft haben." This optimism underlines his readiness to face formidable opponents and contribute significantly.
In conclusion, as Bisseck steps onto the field this Thursday, he embodies not only the hopes of a national team eager to reclaim its stature in international football but also the fulfillment of a personal dream that began years ago. His story serves as a beacon of determination for aspiring footballers who aspire for greatness against the odds. Bisseck's journey from doubts about his career to representing Germany showcases the resilience required in the sports world and sets the stage for what could potentially be a remarkable international career.
