Germany U21 squad captain Eric Martel’s stated dream of celebrating the 2. Bundesliga title with his club and a European Championship with his country is coming closer to fruition. Things are indeed looking bright for Antonio Di Salvo’s DFB Juniors following an undefeated group stage in the ongoing U21 Euros.
Martel went the full 90 minutes in the opening two group stage fixtures before earning a well deserved rest against the England U21s. The 23-year-old even scored a goal in the 4-2 victory over the Czech Republic in the second group stage match.
Thus far in the tournament, Martel has proved an indispensable anchor in midfield. His excellent leadership abilities on a team particularly well trained in set-pieces has also shone through. Martel remained modest about his role in an interview with Kicker.
“I’m not someone who needs to stand out and make big speeches,” Martel told Kicker. “I always try to lead by example. [Teammates] can talk to me normally. Body language is the key to leadership. I just try to help them along.
“I’m pretty relaxed about it [my role as captain],” Martel also noted. “I think we’re a rather harmonious bunch here. It’s a low-maintenance team. We have a group of experienced players who have been around [with the U21s] for a long time and know how things work.”
Martel was nevertheless quick to emphasize the fact that the “laissez faire” attitude didn’t translate toward complacency. After the humiliation of the group stage exit in the 2023 U21 Euros, during which Martel also captained the team, no one would be slacking off in tomorrow’s quarterfinal clash with Italy.
“No matter how much fun we have, there’s the reality of what transpires on the pitch,” Martel also noted. “There might be an instance in which a quick word from me might be helpful. Then I’ll speak up. That’s the way it is.“
GGFN | Peter Weis
