Armel Bella-Kotchap appears to be falling below the required level on loan at PSV, according to former coach Aad de Mos.
Bella-Kotchap signed for Southampton last summer and despite multiple injuries, was rated highly by plenty of clubs.
Interest came from German giants Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund, but in the end, the defender joined PSV on loan.
So far this season, Bella-Kotchap has only made four appearances so far this season and has conceded seven goals in that time.
Despite some good performances, some have been below par and seen some criticism levelled at the Saints loanee.
What has been said about Armel Bella-Kotchap?
Former PSV, Ajax and Anderlecht coach, de Mos, has been discussing the German defender and his start to life on loan.
There has been some criticism, feelings shared by the Dutchman: “He can’t handle the level yet. You can see that in him.”
When asked what about Bella-Kotchap, it made him think that way, he said: “He is unhappy. Balls jump away, out of his control, at the first pass, and he cannot make good play-in passes. The level is very high.”
It is clear what the former coach thinks of the defender.
By contrast, the PSV director of football is happy with their new man.
Discussing the defender he said: “When he arrived, it was wonderful. It is nice to add such a player to the squad, to be able to take the next steps. This is the icing on the cake. He is really an asset.
“He’s physically well-constructed and can pass through the opponent’s lines well. He also has the speed to play with space in behind.”
Mixed reviews so far for Bella-Kotchap but if he finds form as he did last season, he will be great.