Jude Bellingham
Likened to Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard, Jude Bellingham possess the drive and mystical ability to stream the ball towards goal and create a scoring chance, as if there were no blockages from the opponent!
Yes, that is the English International’s ability to provide the right impetus to the midfield and become the heart of the team. Being one of the best U-19 players on the planet right now, he is capable of dictating the midfield and becoming a dominant presence on the pitch, with his game speaking far beyond his years.
On the pitch, he is Dortmund’s most accurate and matured decision-maker, completely disregarding his age. He’s scored three times in the Bundesliga, and once in the Champions League, and if he’s not starting in midfield (next to Mo Dahoud or Axel Witsel), he’s starting on the left of attack in a 4-2-3-1 if we take a look at his stats from last season.
Bellingham’s superb ball-carrying ability along with efficiently beating the opponent’s press is something of a wonder.
"“First and foremost, I am interested in playing intelligence,” Favre said of the then-17-year-old. “With someone like Bellingham, I don’t look at the date of birth. He has the technical skills and a feel for space. I like the way he handles the ball, how he defends it. Jude gives us many tactical possibilities and has an amazing presence. He can play as a number six or number eight, is a good passer, tries to put himself in a finishing position. With him, different systems are possible.”"
Under manager Marco Rose, he was given a regular starting role during the 2021-22 season featuring in 32 league appearances, netting three times and registering eight assists.
When The Englishman has the chance, he breaks his forwards free whenever possible, and has the confidence to play risky passes that break lines. Dortmund’s wide attackers often come infield to play like two number 10s, rather than hugging the touchline like wingers, in the hope of receiving a pass between the lines as analysed by The Coaches’ Voice.
The youthful drive which Bellingham brings into the midfield will be a thing Real Madrid will be needing after the retirement of Kroos or Modric – nevertheless to say, also to bring the much-needed competition and density into the midfield department.