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Jude Bellingham has been accused by Dietmar Hamann of lacking discipline in his game, with the former Germany midfielder urging suitors to be aware of the teenager’s shortcomings.
Liverpool and Real Madrid are among clubs to have been linked with a move for the Borussia Dortmund midfielder, who could move on at the end of the season.
Any potential buyer may have to put up over €100million to prise Bellingham away from BVB, where his performance level has been reflected by him being handed the captaincy at times this term.
Hamann sees flaws in England international Bellingham’s game, however.
The former Liverpool, Manchester City and Bayern Munich midfielder said: “I’m not quite sure about Bellingham. He’s an incredibly talented player who has extraordinary skills. The only thing he doesn’t have is discipline.
“If you look at the goals Dortmund have conceded in recent weeks and months, I can tell you off the top of my head five or six in which he played a key role.”
Hamann was speaking on German broadcaster Sky Sport before Bellingham helped Dortmund to a 2-1 win over Union Berlin in the Bundesliga, staying two points behind leaders Bayern Munich with seven rounds of the season remaining.
“I would be careful if I’m Real Madrid, Liverpool or Manchester City,” Hamann said.
“Of course he’s an exceptional player who’s still very young. But he’s slowly got to get the discipline into his game.”
Hamann, who managed English non-league club Stockport County after his playing career ended, said Bellingham would have to “play differently” if he joins a traditional heavyweight.
Clearly, Bellingham is already at a major club, but he could go on to join more of a perennial Champions League contender.
Hamann believes Bellingham is being indulged and can “do whatever he wants” while at Dortmund, with the club “afraid of upsetting him”.
A different view was proposed after Dortmund’s win by head coach Edin Terzic, who defended Bellingham’s role, saying: “Jude is able to intervene very actively everywhere in the game, both when we have the ball and when the opponent has the ball.”
