The reason why Armel Bella-Kotchap didn't feature against Everton

After spending the last season at Eredivisie side PSV, Armel Bella-Kotchap returned to Southampton aiming to get more playing time in the Premier League or join a new team on a permanent basis in the summer transfer window. A move was very close to happen with Bundesliga side Hoffenheim having agreed a £12 million deal with the Saints to bring the 22-year-old back to the Bundesliga, where he previously thrived at VFL Bochum before joining Southampton two years ago. However, the move was called off by the two clubs and Bella-Kotchap stayed at the St. Mary's Stadium after the transfer window.

After the first two league defeats against Newcastle United and Nottingham Forest in the first two Premier League matches, manager Russell Martin gave Armel Bella-Kotchap his first Saints appearance this season against Cardiff City in the Carabao Cup as he came on as a second half substitute with the score level at 3-3. Bella-Kotchap performed decent and made a clearance and a huge block to help the Saints not concede any more goals in the match and Southampton eventually won 5-3. Thus, Bella-Kotchap was expected to get more playing time against Everton, but it wasn't the case and manager Russell Martin spoke about Bella-Kotchap, saying,

The reason why Armel Bella-Kotchap didn't feature against Everton

"There's no personal fallout. We had honest conversations before the transfer window closed and after the transfer window closed.

It's about who I feel is best for the team and who I trust the most to put in a performance and help the group. "

- Russell Martin

Recently, Southampton captain Jack Stephens got a red card against Manchester United and thus, will miss a few games and if Bella-Kotchap performs good in training and becomes reliable at centre-back in a few matches, he could return to the starting lineup as well. Also, Nathan Wood and Taylor Harwood-Bellis were rock solid against Everton in defence and are also highly likely to feature in more Premier League matches for the club. Thus, it remains to be seen whether Bella-Kotchap can exceed expectations and become the defensive leader that the Saints currently need in their team.