Jude Bellingham is expected to be Liverpool’s number one midfield target next summer and a commanding performance against Man City underscored why he should be.
It is an open secret that those within the Liverpool hierarchy are sold on Bellingham; the only problem now is reaching a deal to bring the 19-year-old to Anfield.
By next summer, when a move from Dortmund becomes more feasible, Europe’s biggest clubs will be closing in on the England international, with many expecting him to become one of the best midfielders in the world over the next decade.
There’s even a case to be made that it already is, with Bellingham’s quality and character put to the test against one of the best teams in the world when Dortmund visited Man City in the Champions League.
did not disappoint.
Missing out on Aurelien Tchouameni at Real Madrid was a huge blow, but in Bellingham, Liverpool have someone on their radar who is just as exciting. A generational talent.
If a move comes to fruition, it could be one of the most significant Jurgen Klopp has ever made.
Bellingham Stars v Man City
City may have prevailed in the end at the Etihad, winning 2-1 after Erling Haaland’s latest act of absurd brilliance, but that didn’t detract from Bellingham’s impact.
Pep Guardiola’s side were never at their best, failing to get a shot on goal until John Stones equalized in the second half, and the Liverpool keeper played his part in that.
Starting from the right of a three in the middle of the field (Emre Can was next to him in the middle), Bellingham produced an accomplished performance that highlighted his many key attributes.
Defensively, he was a resolute presence, making a key block to deflect a Jack Grealish shot for a corner, before delivering a fist bump to traveling Dortmund fans.
His game-breaking ability resulted in four recoveries and three clearances, all while providing intelligence and maturity on the ball.
A 75 per cent completion rate may have been below his Bundesliga average for the season so far (84.3%), but it was a solid tally against a team that press relentlessly, especially as he is a player. ball that takes risks.
In terms of Bellingham’s attacking influence, his first headed goal was clearly the highlight as he finished off a Marco Reus cross.
However, his ability to join attacks was also highlighted, as the teenager often found himself in the final third, popping up on the left or in central areas.
This was a performance that showed how comfortable Bellingham is on the club’s biggest stage, as they held their own in a midfield battle with the likes of Rodri, Kevin De Bruyne, Ilkay Gundogan and Bernardo Silva.
After the match, Guardiola praised Bellingham as “an exceptional player”, praising his ability to “follow Gundogan or Kevin in the pockets and win duels”.
His Dortmund teammate Mats Hummels once called him “the most mature 18-year-old” he has ever played alongside, while David Alaba described him as “one of the greatest midfield talents in the world”.
As Liverpool’s potential signings go, few seem more tailor-made to excel in this system and at this level.
Comparison with Liverpool midfielders
So how does Bellingham compare to Liverpool’s current midfielders, particularly those who are seen as an upgrade?
What is immediately apparent is not his effortless technical ability, but his tenacity off the ball, averaging three tackles won per 90 minutes in the Bundesliga so far this season.
Meanwhile, Jordan Henderson (1.1) and Harvey Elliott (1.3) are well below that tally in the Premier League, although Naby Keita averaged 3.5 for 90 last season.
Similarly, Bellingham (1.7) leads the way in interceptions, with Henderson (1.4), Keita (1.1) and Elliott (0.6) all comfortably trailing in their respective totals.
On the ball, it’s also clear that Bellingham has grit and quality in abundance, with 3.2 successful dribbles per 90 minutes showing just how capable he is of breaking down lines and backing up his skill.
Elliott (1.9) comes closest of the aforementioned Reds trio, while the irrepressible Thiago completed three dribbles in the Community Shield’s win over City.
It’s Bellingham’s athleticism and physicality that also puts him on another level from the current crop of Liverpool, with Henderson, Keita and Elliott all limited in that regard, for different reasons.
His box-to-box style is reminiscent of Steven Gerrard in his heyday, with lung-busting runs a staple of his game.
Bellingham has the ongoing energy of a younger Henderson, the resistance to pressure of Keita and the natural talent of Elliott all rolled into one, making him a true footballing force.
And more importantly, so far at least, it’s proving to be incredibly durable.
Of the 106 possible games in his time with Dortmund so far, he has played in 99, starting 86, missing just three through injury and two more through suspension.
The difference he could make for many years to come could be as big as that made by Alisson and Virgil van Dijk when they joined Liverpool.
A regular place for England now surely appeals to him too, with this winter’s World Cup a wonderful opportunity for him to further enhance his reputation.
The perfect signing for the summer
Much has been made of Liverpool’s industrious midfield this season, and the lack of top-class additions borders on negligence.
That simply has to change next summer and there’s no question that Bellingham is the player the Reds need to put everything on.
It’s clear that Klopp surely sees him as the perfect acquisition, as he cheekily said that the “only problem” preventing Liverpool from signing him is that “he’s not on the market”.
That is likely to change in 2023 as Bellingham is expected to press on for a new challenge.
There will be great competition, from City to Real Madrid amongst others, but he has spoken of his admiration for Liverpool in the past and feels like an ideal match.
The inability to help Trent Alexander-Arnold defensively has been one of the Reds’ biggest shortcomings this season: Henderson’s legs work and Elliott’s defensive intelligence still needs work, but Bellingham would solve that problem.
The fact that he’s at his best in that right-back role — his versatility also allows him to shine as No. 6, left three or even No. 10 — means he couldn’t be more perfect. .
Of course, that could mean a change in position for Elliott, from whom such great things are expected, but he and Bellingham are only two months apart and there is no comparison between them at this point.
They may both be 19, but only one plays like a 29-year-old at the peak of his powers.
Some signings have a sense of inevitability, and while such optimism might seem silly next year, there seems to be a good chance Liverpool will bring in the star from Dortmund next summer, assuming a top-four finish is achieved. .
The money involved would be huge, a possible record fee, but Fenway Sports Group needs to break the bank when such promising talent becomes available, especially after such a frugal summer this time around.
* Statistics through WhoScored.
