Niklas Stark is a prime example of the continuous development at the DFB, having gone through the ranks of the U17s through to the U21 side. The Hertha BSC player has tested the waters in the Bundesliga and now took part in the first U21 training sessions under new coach Stefan Kuntz before featuring in the comfortable 3-0 victory over Slovakia. Stark played the full 90 minutes in the centre of defence, scoring the second goal.
DFB.de: Mr. Stark, you've played in various DFB youth teams and in 2014 you were crowned as the best U19 youth player and received the golden Fritz-Walter Medal. What do you still remember from that time?
Niklas Stark: It's a very special award for me. When I received an email from the DFB I was initially surprised. At that moment, I didn't think about the Fritz-Walter award. But I was even happier when I read that I would be received the gold medal. I immediately told my parents. Everyone thinks that it's a very special honour.
DFB.de: In the meantime you've made it into the U21 side. What are the differences to the other DFB youth teams?
Stark: The higher you get, the tougher every single step becomes. The U21 side is filled with quality and many of us play in the Bundesliga every weekend for good clubs. That makes the quality of the team even higher. In comparison to the U19 or U20 teams, the level of skill is higher here.
DFB.de: The current training sessions and the game against Slovakia were your first under new coach Stefan Kuntz. What is your first impression of the new coach?
Stark: He has a lot of experience which we can all profit from. I'm personally very open to new impressions - whether that comes from the coach, his assistant or another player. The important thing is to soak up the information, process it and then put it to use. Stefan Kuntz is very open and always willing to talk with us. He's doing very well.
DFB.de: Germany coach Joachim Löw announced that he will be more open to introducing younger players into his team this year. Does this statement serve as extra motivation for you?
Niklas Stark is a prime example of the continuous development at the DFB, having gone through the ranks of the U17s through to the U21 side. The Hertha BSC player has tested the waters in the Bundesliga and now took part in the first U21 training sessions under new coach Stefan Kuntz before featuring in the comfortable 3-0 victory over Slovakia. Stark played the full 90 minutes in the centre of defence, scoring the second goal.
DFB.de: Mr. Stark, you've played in various DFB youth teams and in 2014 you were crowned as the best U19 youth player and received the golden Fritz-Walter Medal. What do you still remember from that time?
Niklas Stark: It's a very special award for me. When I received an email from the DFB I was initially surprised. At that moment, I didn't think about the Fritz-Walter award. But I was even happier when I read that I would be received the gold medal. I immediately told my parents. Everyone thinks that it's a very special honour.
DFB.de: In the meantime you've made it into the U21 side. What are the differences to the other DFB youth teams?
Stark: The higher you get, the tougher every single step becomes. The U21 side is filled with quality and many of us play in the Bundesliga every weekend for good clubs. That makes the quality of the team even higher. In comparison to the U19 or U20 teams, the level of skill is higher here.
DFB.de: The current training sessions and the game against Slovakia were your first under new coach Stefan Kuntz. What is your first impression of the new coach?
Stark: He has a lot of experience which we can all profit from. I'm personally very open to new impressions - whether that comes from the coach, his assistant or another player. The important thing is to soak up the information, process it and then put it to use. Stefan Kuntz is very open and always willing to talk with us. He's doing very well.
DFB.de: Germany coach Joachim Löw announced that he will be more open to introducing younger players into his team this year. Does this statement serve as extra motivation for you?
Stark: Definitely! When the Germany coach says something like that and you're a young player, you definitely prick your ears and get more motivated.
DFB.de: When die Mannschaft recorded a 2-0 win over Finland on Wednesday, Niklas Süle, Julian Brandt and Max Meyer featured in the starting XI. All three were regulars in last season's U21 side. How do you see their development?
Stark: If you one day want to play for the national team, you have to perform well in the U21 side. It's become the normal way of procedure. Thus, the U21 is very significant and a huge stepping stone. I'm personally learning a lot through the high level in our team and by competing on an international level during tournaments. It helps my development. You can gather experience here and that's why we desperately want to qualify for the 2017 European Championships in Poland.
