Despite his young age, Vitaly Janelt has already experienced ups and downs in his football career: After qualifying for the U17 European Championships earlier this May, he was not nominated for the squad heading to Bulgaria. But after Niklas Dorsch suffered an injury in the opening group game he was called up as a replacement. The RB Leipzig midfielder didn’t look back after making an appearance in every game and only missing out on the title after a 4-1 lose to France in the final.
The central midfielder has started both games for the DFB Team at the World Cup in Chile and has already scored two goals and provided one assist. DFB.de editor Peter Scheffler spoke with the 17-year-old about his form, his sport-crazy family and how he came back stronger following a setback.
DFB.de: Mr. Janelt, you were not nominated for the European Championship squad in April, but after coming in as a replacement you've made an appearance in every game this year for the U17 DFB Team. Are you surprised about how things turned out?
DFB.de: Just like in the World Cup game against Argentina. What was the secret to success in your 4-0 victory over tournament favourites Argentina?
Janelt: As a team, we delivered a top performance from the first to the last minute. The early goal clearly worked in our favour. We then had to withstand a phase of pressure from Argentina, but we didn’t allow them anything and took a 3-0 lead into half time. They weren’t a threat to us anymore in the second half.
DFB.de: Your second goal of the tournament paved the road towards success. Did you even strike the ball cleanly?
Janelt: No, I just struck it the best I could. (laughs) But I didn’t care. Once the ball was settling in the net it was a great feeling.
DFB.de: We could tell that because of your celebration, you hadn’t noticed that the ball had rolled back out of the goal through a hole in the netting, did you?
Despite his young age, Vitaly Janelt has already experienced ups and downs in his football career: After qualifying for the U17 European Championships earlier this May, he was not nominated for the squad heading to Bulgaria. But after Niklas Dorsch suffered an injury in the opening group game he was called up as a replacement. The RB Leipzig midfielder didn’t look back after making an appearance in every game and only missing out on the title after a 4-1 lose to France in the final.
The central midfielder has started both games for the DFB Team at the World Cup in Chile and has already scored two goals and provided one assist. DFB.de editor Peter Scheffler spoke with the 17-year-old about his form, his sport-crazy family and how he came back stronger following a setback.
DFB.de: Mr. Janelt, you were not nominated for the European Championship squad in April, but after coming in as a replacement you've made an appearance in every game this year for the U17 DFB Team. Are you surprised about how things turned out?
DFB.de: Just like in the World Cup game against Argentina. What was the secret to success in your 4-0 victory over tournament favourites Argentina?
Janelt: As a team, we delivered a top performance from the first to the last minute. The early goal clearly worked in our favour. We then had to withstand a phase of pressure from Argentina, but we didn’t allow them anything and took a 3-0 lead into half time. They weren’t a threat to us anymore in the second half.
DFB.de: Your second goal of the tournament paved the road towards success. Did you even strike the ball cleanly?
Janelt: No, I just struck it the best I could. (laughs) But I didn’t care. Once the ball was settling in the net it was a great feeling.
DFB.de: We could tell that because of your celebration, you hadn’t noticed that the ball had rolled back out of the goal through a hole in the netting, did you?
Janelt: No, once I saw that the ball had crossed the line I just ran off celebrating. At half time some of the boys were joking: "Vitaly's shot tore a whole into the net." I didn’t know what they were talking about. Only when I saw the highlights of the match I understood what they had meant.
DFB.de: You've also been successful at club level recently. After some difficulties at the start of the season, you've now scored one goal and provided three assists in seven appearances.
Janelt: At our club we play with three defensive midfielders, of which I usually on the left side. I play a slightly more attacking role than in our national team. RB Leipzig have a very attacking minded style, which allows me to have a lot of shots on goal.
DFB.de: Your family is very involved with sports. Your mother was a national team ice hockey keeper and your three older brothers also play football.
Janelt: That's correct. Victor is playing in Bargfeld and Vincent is playing in the fourth division at SV Eichede. In the past we would be on the football pitch together every day. My brother and his friends are three to four years older than I am, but since they knew me, I was allowed to play with them. That's where I learned to be strong in tackles.
DFB.de: Your family is supporting you here in Chile, just like they did in Bulgaria earlier this year. What does that mean to you?
Janelt: I'm very happy about their support. It's not something I take for granted, especially because Chile isn’t exactly around the corner for them. My mother and my stepfather have booked their stay for the entire duration of the tournament. So either way, there will be a Janelt present when the final comes around. (laughs)
DFB.de: What are your next goals?
Janelt: First, we have to win against Mexico and confirm our position in the standings. Then I hope that we can go on to win the title. We already came really close in Bulgaria. At club level we want to reach the end-round of the Germany U19 Championship. I also want to finish my Sport and Fitness salesmen apprenticeship and then one day play in the Bundesliga of course. But there is still a long road ahead.
