Bellingham might not have scored on the night but he produced a scintillating performance to help the Three Lions get the win.
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Jude Bellingham made a big-money move to Spanish giants Real Madrid in the summer from German side Borussia Dortmund. The English midfielder was already at the top of his game when playing in the Bundesliga over the last few seasons. Hence, it was of little surprise that he has hit the ground running instantly with Real Madrid. Bellingham has now carried that form to his national team.
He played a starring role in England’s come-from-behind victory over Italy to seal their place at Euro 2024. Bellingham might not have scored on the night but he produced a scintillating performance to help the Three Lions get the win. Former England and Arsenal striker Paul Merson was in awe of the youngster’s consistency level. “Jude Bellingham is absolutely phenomenal!” he told Sky Sports.
He added: “For a 20-year-old to be consistently phenomenal is extraordinary, and consistency is the key. You hear so much about so many players, especially in the Premier League. However, one minute they are a four out of 10, then they are a nine out of 10 and then back to a four before being a nine again. Bellingham is an eight or nine, even 10, every week! Putting in performances like he did against Italy, on the top stage, week in and week out, it’s mind blowing.”
Merson also believes Bellingham is well ahead of his time, which is shown by the number of Man of the Match awards he has won this campaign. “The number of Player of the Match awards he’s had this season is nine. It’s unheard of. It’s scary when you think of his age and he’s playing in the hardest position on the football pitch too, in my opinion. Even at 20, his maturity is already what stands out. He makes all the right decisions in and out of possession. Football is all about decision making. At the moment, he is making the decisions of a 28 or 29-year-old player and getting them all right. It’s so hard to explain what he’s doing. He’s years ahead of his time,” he explained.
Even though England fans would have been happy with Bellingham’s performances, they would also very much like to see the midfielder playing in the Premier League at some point in his career. Asked whether Bellingham will be in the English top flight one day, Paul Merson said, “Only time will tell but I’m sure the challenge of the Premier League will appeal to Bellingham. If I’m being honest, I don’t think there is much of a challenge at Real Madrid. He’s obviously ripping it up in Spain, but I half expected him to do that. I don’t know any good players that’s gone to Spain and not done well.”
He added: “No disrespect to Real Madrid and La Liga, but I would like to see him in the Premier League one day, maybe in four or five years when he’s done all he needs to do in Madrid. He’s a top player and it will be a natural progression for him to come back to England and the Premier League when the time is right for him.”
However, Merson is not sure about what the future might hold but for now, he is happy with Bellingham’s game. “However, football does go through changes. In five or six years La Liga might have turned the tables on the Premier League to become the dominant league in the world. 20-odd years ago Italy had the top league, so you just never know. At the moment, he’s doing unbelievable thing. He’s doing what he needs to do for him right now, and I can’t talk more highly of him. He’s coming across as a really nice kid, who just love playing football, and that’s also extremely important,” he said.
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