JUDE BELLINGHAM: WORTH THE WAIT?

There’s been a lot of talk in recent weeks about Liverpool’s midfield and it’s need for reinforcement. After a purported move for Aurelien Tchouameni failed to materialise, attentions have reportedly switched to Borussia Dortmund’s Jude Bellingham.

With the German club already losing a young talent in Erling Haaland this summer, the general consensus is they will resist any attempt to prise Bellingham away. The 19 year old still has three years left on his deal and is expected to be available next summer instead.

With Jürgen Klopp and Liverpool sticklers for waiting on their preferred target, the Reds are expected to enter the campaign with no addition to the heart of their midfield. As such, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain looks to have been given a stay of execution.

It has also been reported that should Liverpool be priced out of a move for Bellingham next summer, they could look at Italian international Nicolo Barella as an alternative. We looked at Barella’s career trajectory yesterday so it’s only fair we do same for Bellingham.

Jude Victor William Bellingham was born on this day 19 years ago. He joined Birmingham City at U8 level and rapidly rose through the ranks over the years. It’s been a theme through his short career so far.

He played for the U18 side at 14 years old, the U23s at 15 years, before making his senior debut for Birmingham City at age 16. That saw him become the youngest ever debutant in the club’s history – at 16 years, 38 days old.

The 2019/20 season was a whirlwind one for the teenager as he broke record after record. He became Birmingham City’s youngest ever goalscorer, aged 16 years and 63 days, when he scored a winner against Stoke City (his first professional goal).

Bellingham’s breakthrough season continued apace, with the youngster crowned EFL Young Player of the month in November. He was excelling in a varying number of positions; central midfield, attacking midfield and even wider as the left or right midfielder in a flat 4-4-2.

Come the January window, several major clubs around Europe queued up for his signature. Birmingham were in a relegation fight however and chose to hang on to their breakout star. They reportedly turned down a £20 million bid from Manchester United on deadline day.

The then 16 year old remained an integral member of the team for the rest of the pandemic affected season, playing a key role in his boyhood club securing survival (they finished 20th, just two points clear of relegation).

At the end of the campaign, Bellingham was named Birmingham City Young Player of the Year, the EFL Young Player of the Year and Championship Apprentice of the Year. Interest in him intensified as various giants fought to secure his services.

He could have signed a professional contract with any club he chose as he was still only 16 years old and hence ineligible to sign one with Birmingham. That would have meant a tribunal to decide the compensation his boyhood club would be due.

The youngster showed true class and maturity beyond his years however. He had agreed to sign a professional deal with Birmingham once he turned 17 and he stuck to his word. That meant cash-strapped Birmingham were able to secure a world record fee for a 17 year old.

Borussia Dortmund won the race for his signature with a £25million plus add-ons transfer fee. This gesture, along with his impact in helping Birmingham survive relegation, saw the club honour him by retiring his number 22 shirt.

Bellingham hit the ground running in Germany, scoring on his debut to become the youngest goalscorer in Dortmund’s history aged 17 years, 77 days. He went on to be named Bundesliga rookie of the month in September before going on to break another record in October.

Aged 17 years and 113 days, he became the youngest Englishman to start a Champions League match (breaking the record previously set by Phil Foden), when he took to the pitch against Italian outfit Lazio. It was a hugely successful first season for the teenager.

The 2020/21 campaign ended with DFB Pokal success for Dortmund. Bellingham was named Bundesliga Newcomer of the season and finished runner-up to Barcelona’s Pedri for the Golden Boy award/Kopa Trophy (an award for the best U21 player in the world).

The 2021/22 season saw Bellingham continue his fast rise to the top. His displays in the heart of midfield caught the eye as Dortmund finished second behind Bayern to seal Champions League qualification. The teenager was named in the Bundesliga Team of the Year.

For the England national team, Bellingham made his debut against the Republic of Ireland in November 2020 at age 17 years and 136 days. This saw him become the Three Lions’ third-youngest ever full international behind only Theo Walcott and Wayne Rooney.

He was as well named in the England squad for Euro 2020, and when he came on as a substitute in the opening match of the tournament, aged 17 years and 349 days, he became the youngest Englishman to play at any major tournament.

It’s been a whirlwind career so far for the 19 year old. He’s only played three seasons at senior level but has already accomplished so much. His 6 ft 1in height and athletic frame makes him a powerful presence and his energy and intensity makes him hard to stop in full flight.

He has a terrific engine and is a quintessential box to box midfielder. His sheer will to win and natural leadership qualities mean he stands out more often than not. He has the world at his feet at the minute and will surely continue his development in Germany for another year.

Next summer will in all likelihood see him make a big money move. Having chosen Dortmund in 2020 when more lucrative offers were on the table, you can be sure he’ll once again put his development at the forefront of his decision making.

STATS

Bellingham for Birmingham in the 2019/20 Championship season:

• Appearances – 41
• Minutes – 2,693
• Goals – 4
• Assists – 2
• Chances created – 30
• Successful dribbles – 46
• Successful tackles – 57
• Interceptions – 30
• Age – 16

Bellingham for Dortmund in 2020/21 (all competitions):

• Appearances – 46
• Minutes – 2,888
• Goals – 4
• Assists – 4
• Chances created – 24
• Successful dribbles – 44
• Successful tackles – 45
• Interceptions – 36
• Age – 17

Bellingham for Dortmund in 2021/22 (all competitions):

• Appearances – 43
• Minutes – 3,723
• Goals – 6
• Assists – 14
• Chances created – 53
• Successful dribbles – 87
• Successful tackles – 51
• Interceptions – 54
• Age – 18

stats sourced from Fotmob