Inter target Marash Kumbulla discussed the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic, his first steps in football and the strongest defenders currently playing in an interview in today’s print edition of the Italian magazine Sportweek.

“The epidemic has taught us not to take everything for granted, to live in harmony with what is wonderful around us, to enjoy the little things that are the most genuine and authentic, to have more respect for life, nature and ourselves, to be selfless, to love us.”

The 20-year-old Albanian defender, who is contracted to the Gialloblu until 2022, then moved onto discussing his first steps in football and how it started with his father.

“It came into my life with my dad, a great fan. When I was 4 years old, he enrolled me at a football school in Peschiera. Later, when I saw that I was comfortable with the ball at my feet, I was even happier to go to practice. And even now it’s like that, training is everything to me. It’s the thing I missed the most during the pandemic.”

Kumbulla touched on how he signed for Hellas Verona when he was only 8 years old.

“I think that for every child the dream is to play for their home team. I had a trial and they signed me.”

The Albanian teenager spoke about how he plays in Serie A without fear or nerves.

“Yeah, I enjoy duels, even aerial ones. I really like the physical fight. And then, for some in my role, there’s nothing more satisfying than being the last line of defence, like those who clear the ball off the line.”

The Hellas Verona defender discussed his strengths and weaknesses and what he needs to do to improve.

“I have to improve with my left foot. My strength is my concentration in the game, the care I place on each pass, and my determination.”

Finally, Kumbulla commented on the who he thinks are the three best central defenders currently playing, including Inter defender Stefan De Vrij on that list.

“Van Dijk, Sergio Ramos, de Vrij. I like to study how de Vrij plays. He always understands first where the ball can go.”

Kumbulla has made 19 appearances across all competitions so far this season, for a total of 1581 minutes. In that time, he has scored one goal and helped the side keep seven clean sheets.