Jude Bellingham left Rob Green in awe on BBC Radio 5 Live for the Borussia Dortmund ace and reported Liverpool transfer target’s eye-catching England display against Ivory Coast.
Gareth Southgate handed Bellingham his 12th cap and just fourth start for the Three Lions at Wembley on Tuesday night. The 18-year-old has seldom featured for his country since breaking into his national side in 2020, with sporadic minutes mostly from cameo outings.
Of the teenager’s international outings, five have now come during friendlies and account for 232 of his 509 minutes total. He also featured for 10 minutes in England’s 2-1 win over Switzerland on Saturday, amid his vital campaign in the Borussia Dortmund engine room.
Bellingham has featured 32 times for the Bundesliga giants across all competitions. He has also offered six goals and 13 assists, only Marco Reus has also created 10 or more for BVB. Additionally, only Erling Haaland (23), Reus (13) and Donyell Malen (8) have scored more.
His efforts have more than caught the eye of Anfield boss Jurgen Klopp as he looks to add fresh ideas. Bild report the former Borussia Dortmund manager has asked Liverpool to seal a transfer for Bellingham. But they face waiting until summer 2023 and a lofty asking price.
The Westfalenstadion hierarchy value Bellingham at in excess of €100m (£84.5m). Interest from Real Madrid will also support BVB’s attempt to drive up their valuation should Klopp return to North Rhine-Westphalia next year looking to lure Bellingham to Merseyside.
Rob Green in awe of Bellingham as Liverpool target ‘caught the eye’ with England
Bellingham showed Liverpool why Klopp wants a transfer for the Borussia Dortmund star with his England antics against Ivory Coast. The central midfielder pulled the strings with a licence to roam in the engine room, as he continually drove forwards as a constant threat.
The youngster came close to opening his international account, as well, but sent his shot just wide of the post. Yet his driving runs and slick showing stunned Green throughout.
“Another good bit of play and it is Jude Bellingham at the heart of it again,” Green said. “He has a bit more of a free role than I thought he would, perhaps the freedom of playing in front of Declan Rice.”
Former England goalkeeper Green added: “Bellingham has really caught the eye tonight with his progressive runs and willingness to take the ball.”
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