Danny Murphy has praised Jude Bellingham whilst comparing the Borussia Dortmund midfielder to Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard.
The start of the World Cup is just days away and it’s fair to say that England fans have had their expectations somewhat dulled.
The UEFA Nations League campaign ended terribly and matching the 2018 finish of a semi-final place seems unlikely.
England fans are looking for Gareth Southgate to play with more attacking freedom and the big hope for this tournament is Jude Bellingham.
Danny Murphy has praised Jude Bellingham
The Borussia Dortmund midfielder has become a star over in the Bundesliga having joined from Birmingham City in 2020.
An outstanding box-to-box midfield player, Bellingham has racked up nine goals and three assists in 22 appearances this season.
Bellingham is affecting games at the highest level at the age of just 19 and many hope to see him join Declan Rice in England’s midfield.
Danny Murphy has now offered huge praise to Bellingham whilst speaking to the Daily Mail ahead of the World Cup.
Murphy has suggested that Bellingham simply has to be in England’s starting XI no matter what formation Southgate wants to play.
Murphy added that Bellingham’s versatility reminds him of Steven Gerrard – a notable comparison given Liverpool’s interest in the Dortmund star.
“If Southgate plays three at the back in Qatar, it should be Declan Rice and Bellingham in midfield. If it’s a 4-3-3, Bellingham will have a licence to get forward with Rice holding, possibly with Mason Mount on the other side. Bellingham’s Champions League goals this season prove he is a threat,” said Murphy.
“In terms of versatility and being able to do any job on the pitch, Bellingham reminds me of another player I grew up with at Liverpool, Steven Gerrard. In the sense of how his life might be about to change, I can’t help thinking of Michael and the impact the 1998 World Cup had on him,” he added.
Liverpool really want to sign Bellingham in 2023 with the midfielder widely expected to leave Dortmund at the end of the season.
Sport Bild in Germany claim that Klopp recently held talks with Mike Gordon from FSG about pushing for Bellingham’s signature.
A deal may now end up costing around €150million (£132million) and it’s unclear whether Liverpool would really be willing to pay that.
Liverpool will have an eye on Bellingham at the World Cup but they already know all about his quality and how much they want him at Anfield.
If Bellingham can shine for England and then become a star for Liverpool, that Gerrard comparison really will come true.
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