In his first game at a soccer World Cup, Jude Bellingham scored directly. He's England's driving force, he's a goalscorer, he's a shooting star. The 19-year-old cannot ignore the praise. Borussia Dortmund should watch this with a crying eye.
Jude Bellingham didn't sleep much after his World Cup gala. "I was awake the whole time, answering messages. So much has happened," says the 19-year-old about his dream start with the English national football team. Since then, the BVB star has been floating on a cloud. "I can't stop smiling," Bellingham said.
His first international goal in a 6-2 win against Iran has put the teenager in the spotlight, and his market value is sometimes estimated at over 200 million euros. But Bellingham doesn't care about all of that before the second World Cup game on Friday (8 p.m. / ARD, MagentaTV and in the ntv.de live ticker) against the USA. "I'm trying to keep my feet on the ground," he said on the FA's Lions' Den show.
But this is not that easy. Because Bellingham also shone as a thinker and leader, interested parties are queuing up. Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United, Real Madrid - they are all in the conversation. The reported sums are correspondingly high. "Bellingham was being traded for 100 million before the World Cup. It's quite possible that Dortmund will soon be asking for double that," wrote Bryan Robson in his "Daily Mail" column. The ex-national player spoke of pounds, mind you, after the increase of up to 230 million euros.
Despite all the hustle and bustle, Bellingham remains relaxed, easy-going and serene, almost normal. "I've always dreamed of something like this, but I never thought it would happen so early, just three years after my professional debut," he said during his half-hour appearance at the Lions' Den: "That makes me very grateful ."
Hymns of praise even came from the upcoming opponent. "Jude can play left front and right back - and both pretty well," said Giovanni Reyna. Of course, the US national player is a little self-conscious as a Dortmund and Bellingham buddy. "We have a close relationship, on and off the pitch, we always sit next to each other on the bus. He's a great guy and a great footballer," says Reyna.
Whether there will be a direct duel between the two friends in the Al Bayt Stadium remains to be seen. Reyna did not play in the US team's 1-1 draw with Wales. Bellingham - who is currently the only English international not to play in the Premier League - is sure of his place in the starting XI. "The USA game will be a good test, many will play in Europe. It won't be easy," said Bellingham, adding: "At a World Cup there is no trophy for winning the first game. We have to deliver in seven games." Sounds like he still has a lot planned.
