Jude Bellingham: The Young English Midfielder Impressing in Germany
Borussia Dortmund didn’t think twice before deciding to go for Jude Bellingham in the summer of 2020. The 17-year-old Birmingham City midfielder was impressing in the Championship at the time and it was clear to see the massive potential that he has.
“I’m incredibly excited to have joined one of the biggest clubs in Europe. The direction they are heading in and how much they help young players improve made it an easy decision for me personally and my family” was what the Englishman said after he signed for the Black and Yellows.
Bellingham had to wait for his opportunity though. Even though he immediately impressed in preseason games he wasn’t a regular in the teams’ initial games in the 2020/21 season. He was eased in to the starting lineup but it was just a matter of time before he started to show his quality and was given a well-deserved run in the team.
He was a key part of BVB’s uprise in the second half of the season in which they managed to secure Champions League qualification by finishing 3rd and win the DFB Pokal. His performances earned him a call up to the England National Team for the Euros as well. This season, it seems as though we are seeing an even better version of Bellingham. He has gone another level with his performances and is feeling comfortable under the leadership of new manager Marco Rose.
Last season Bellingham usually played as a number 8 in a 4-2-3-1 alongside Mahmoud Dahoud, but this season he is being used in the right of the midfield diamond in a 4-4-2. This has enabled him to operate more closer to goal and play a vital role in the team’s chance creation and goal scoring. He has already netted 2 goals this season equaling last season’s total.
Bellingham’s work rate is impressive. He runs up and down the pitch tirelessly. He arrives in the opposition box to create havoc and is also quick to track back to help the team defensively. His dribbling, passing and shooting skills make him a complete midfielder. With the young energetic players around him and with the system that is getting the best out of them it looks like Bellingham will keep on getting better and better.
He was man of the match in Borussia Dortmund’s opening day Champions League game away to Besiktas, scoring one goal and assisted another in exquisite fashion. In such an intimidating away atmosphere Bellingham didn’t crumble under the pressure rather he became a leader and guided his team to victory which shows his maturity.
The fact that fans have been allowed back to stadiums in the new season has been another bonus for Bellingham. He seemed to thrive off of the colorful BVB support and he is thoroughly enjoying it after he was forced to play his first season in Dortmund behind closed doors due to the pandemic.
It is obvious that the bigger clubs are already monitoring the progress of the young Englishman who is making headlines in Germany. It won’t be long before we see his name being linked with possible transfers.
For now, Bellingham looks set on continuing his amazing form with the Black and Yellows as his team tries to challenge the dominance of Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga. He is also determined to break into the England starting 11. With his current progress, he more than deserves to be among the first names in Gareth Southgate’s team.
By: Brook Genene / @brookge
Featured Image: @GabFoligno / Alex Grimm – Getty Images