Inspired by Rio Ferdinand and potentially wanted as a long-term successor to Virgil van Dijk. For a young centre half making his way in English football, they aren't bad names to be linked with.
It's only a little more than three months since Armel Bella-Kotchap moved to Southampton for £10million from Bundesliga side VfL Bochum, but he's faced up and risen above every challenge in his path so far.
The defender was fast-tracked into Germany's senior squad this month after just six appearances in the Premier League, and he could make his full international debut against England tonight, aged just 20.