Speaking on the BBC Radio Five Live Football Daily Podcast, Matt Upson has claimed that Jude Bellingham could be brilliant alongside Leeds United’s Kalvin Phillips or West Ham’s Declan Rice for England.
The teenager certainly caught the eye at the weekend against Andorra in a more advanced role, and Upson was very impressed by what he saw.
Upson claimed that Bellingham’s mentality, as well as his talent, makes him a star, while he also claimed he can play in multiple positions.
Indeed, Upson says that while Bellingham was great against Andorra, he could also see him playing deeper alongside Phillips or Rice.
What’s been said?
Upson was raving about Bellingham.
“Of course, it’s what 60% mentality, 40% talent? You can be good at something, but not be as talented, but still be successful, but it’s hard to have it the other way around. That attitude, the confidence, to be humble as well. The physical attributes and how good he is is also important as well, but that’s what makes the difference to me, those things we have mentioned,” Upson said.
“What’s interesting about Bellingham is, he can play in different positions, he’s played a bit more advanced in that Mason Mount role, but you could see him doing brilliantly alongside a Declan Rice or a Kalvin Phillips, he can do both and that’s what makes him such a great addition to this squad.”
Sky is the limit
There’s no limit on how good Bellingham can be.
The youngster looks to be technically and physically brilliant, and while he looks like the perfect number eight, he could also be a star as a six or even as a 10.
It will be interesting to see where he ends up playing for England. The midfield roles are packed full of talent, so where he fits in remains to be seen.
Either way, it’s not a bad dilemma for Gareth Southgate to have.
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