Germany U21’s Joshua Quarshie Excited for Special Homecoming Against Belgium
Germany U21 defender Joshua Quarshie is preparing for a memorable homecoming as Antonio Di Salvo’s squad faces Belgium at the Stadion an der Hafenstraße in Essen on Friday evening. The 22-year-old Sturm Graz centre-back shared lighthearted comments about his new teammate Tom Ritzy Hülsmann during a pre-match press conference in Düsseldorf on Thursday.
At the event, which included coverage from Get German Football News, Quarshie discussed his ties to Rot-Weiss Essen, where he played at the youth level. The Southampton player, who previously celebrated a different homecoming last year, is now just a stone’s throw away from his hometown of Duisburg, getting ready to compete at the stadium of his former academy club.
Advertisement
Quarshie also highlighted his connection to his younger brother, James Gnagnon, who is part of RWE’s first-team roster. As a consistent presence and leader within the Germany U21 setup, Quarshie joined head coach Antonio Di Salvo at the Thursday press conference, moderated by DFB press spokesperson Markus Beer.
Quarshie No Longer the Tallest Player in the Squad
Beer introduced Quarshie as a formidable figure in the German defense, joking that the 1.96-metre centre-back could no longer claim the title of tallest player in the squad. That honor now belongs to Stade Reims goalkeeper Tom Ritzy Hülsmann, who towers at 2.05 metres.
The goalkeeper’s remarkable height sparked laughter during Tuesday’s DFB press conference, where Muhammed Damar and Maurice Krattenmacher shared humorous experiences of their interactions with him. On Thursday, Beer asked Quarshie about the unique experience of meeting someone who could finally match him in height.
Advertisement
“I don’t think it was even quite eye level. He was actually a little taller,” Quarshie joked.
The defender remarked that looking up at another player felt unusual, describing it as a surprising encounter with someone who appeared like a giant. Quarshie took the experience in stride, acknowledging that some individuals are simply built taller and broader than others.
A Special Homecoming for the Germany U21s
Beer later focused on Quarshie’s connections to Essen, where the Germany U21 team will compete in their first home international match since qualifying for next summer’s European Championship. Quarshie had once been a part of Rot-Weiss Essen’s youth academy, playing for the club at the U17 and U19 levels before transferring to Hoffenheim in 2022.
Advertisement
His brother, James Gnagnon, has taken a similar route, recently signing a professional contract with RWE.
“My younger brother plays at Rot-Weiss Essen, now with the first team,” Quarshie stated during the press conference.
The defender also emphasized his personal links to the area. Originally from Duisburg, Quarshie grew up roughly twenty minutes from Essen and still maintains connections with friends and family in the region. The upcoming match therefore presents a chance for him to return to familiar surroundings while representing his country.
He reflected positively on the Stadion an der Hafenstraße, recalling it as a venue from his earlier football experiences.
Advertisement
“I think the stadium is really well built,” he noted, commending the atmosphere created by the club’s supporters. Quarshie highlighted that even modest crowds can generate an impressive ambiance at the Hafenstraße, underscoring the reputation of Rot-Weiss Essen’s dedicated fanbase.
Beer confirmed that over 9,000 tickets had been sold in advance for Friday’s match against Belgium.
Germany’s last home international attracted an impressive turnout, with 20,049 spectators attending the U21s’ 2-0 victory over Georgia in Bielefeld on October 6, which secured direct qualification for the upcoming European Championship.
This attendance marked the largest crowd at a Germany U21 home match in over twenty years, with supporters creating a vibrant atmosphere filled with coordinated chants and even Mexican waves during the crucial victory.
Advertisement
Quarshie participated in the match, showcasing a solid defensive performance, although a second potential goal for Germany was disallowed due to a foul in the buildup.
Friday’s contest in Essen presents another opportunity for Germany’s young talents to play before an enthusiastic home crowd. For Quarshie, it promises to be a particularly significant occasion due to his personal ties to the club and region.
