MY ACCOUNT
Jude Bellingham continues to be linked with Liverpool — and a Merseyside move makes perfect sense for Borussia Dortmund’s midfield maestro.
The teenage starlet has flourished since moving to Germany, establishing himself as one of the world’s brightest young talents and earning regular starts at international level with England.
That has attracted interest from a host of Europe’s top clubs, though Jurgen Klopp’s side are favourites to secure his signature.
Ahead of the Reds’ Premier League clash with Manchester City this afternoon, we take a look at why BVB’s No22 would help solve Liverpool’s midfield problems.
An exclusive club
Bellingham’s goal in Dortmund’s 1-1 draw with Sevilla on Tuesday was another milestone in the 19-year-old’s fledgling career.
He became just the third teenager to net in four consecutive Champions League games, joining an exclusive club alongside Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe.
Significantly, he is the only midfielder on that list — another remarkable achievement that underlines his immense talent and potential.
Back of the net
When comparing Bellingham to Liverpool’s current crop of midfielders, it is clear to see how he can provide attributes that the Reds presently lack.
The most striking of those is goal threat. Harvey Elliott is the only one of Liverpool’s central midfield options to have found the net in the Champions League this season — and he did so while playing on the right wing.
Meanwhile, Bellingham has registered four times — joint-second in the competition.
The Stourbridge native has been on the end of three big chances, scoring all three, demonstrating the quality of finishing that he would bring to Anfield.
Important interceptions
Bellingham’s ability to regain the ball in midfield has proven crucial to keeping his side in possession and in control of games.
The 17-cap international has made an impressive nine interceptions in the Champions League so far — almost half of Liverpool’s total (20).
The Reds seem to have lacked the same level of dominance they exerted in recent seasons and Bellingham’s signing could go a long way towards addressing that.
Bossing midfield
Continuing with the theme of control, Bellingham acts as a central hub when his side are in possession, roaming around the pitch to get involved in various phases of play.
He has taken 307 touches in the Champions League so far — Fabinho has had the most of any Liverpool midfielder (230) but has not always performed to his high standards this term.
Adding Bellingham to play alongside the Brazilian would undoubtedly see the Reds dominate games more effectively.
‘Much more to come’
Dortmund boss Edin Terzic has hailed Bellingham’s recent performances, picking out his ability to control games for particular praise.
However, the German does not think the former Birmingham star is close to the finished product — and declared that he will go on to achieve far more than he has already.
He said: “[Bellingham] has been playing very consistently, getting more control and balance in his game.
“We are very happy with the way he presents himself here every day. But this is not the end, there is much more to come.”
Whether that progress comes at the Westfalenstadion or Anfield remains to be seen — but a move to Liverpool looks to be a perfect fit for one of the continent’s hottest prospects.
