Michael Owen has admitted ‘I was wrong’ in his initial impressions of Liverpool target Jude Bellingham at the World Cup. The England star’s selflessness stunned the Three Lions icon.
Bellingham played an instrumental role in Gareth Southgate’s side as England reached the quarter-finals of Qatar 2022. But Owen initially questioned the way the Borussia Dortmund midfielder tackled a box-to-box role. Yet he now loves the 19-year-old’s style on the pitch.
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Despite his tender age, Bellingham was one of England’s best performers during the World Cup and a Golden Boy candidate. His talent may not be as well known in his home country after moving to Germany in 2020. But the youngster showed his ability far exceeds his age.
A flurry of surging runs from deep, a willingness to help out defensively and the skill to get amongst the action in attack is par for the course for Bellingham. Since he left Birmingham City for Borussia Dortmund for £25m, he has shown himself to be a complete technician.
Now, Liverpool are just one of Europe’s elite teams who list Bellingham as a transfer target for 2023. Dean Jones also reports the Reds are optimistic they can beat Manchester City to a deal. But Gianluca Di Marzio notes Borussia Dortmund will want €100-130m (£88-114m).
Michael Owen lauds Liverpool target Jude Bellingham as a ‘complete midfielder’
Bellingham scored England’s opening goal at the World Cup in Qatar to break the deadlock against Iran in Group B. He also laid on an assist for Liverpool’s Jordan Henderson with one of his trademark charging bursts against Senegal. He started all five of their games, as well.
Now, Owen admits his initial view of Bellingham was wrong and that the Liverpool target is a joy to watch. The former Reds forward also praises the Borussia Dortmund star after not shying from giving his all for the team. It was one of his previous issues with Bellingham.
“He’s got attributes that make him a complete midfielder,” Owen told The Telegraph. “We don’t see him every week because he’s out in the Bundesliga. But what struck me was how giving he is. By that, I mean he plays for the team, not himself.
“He does almost too much and at first I thought: ‘Jeez, Jude, you’re wasting energy covering too much ground because of your inexperience’.
“I was wrong. The more I watch him, I love the way he plays. A lot of people, when they become very good, it almost becomes uncool to do the hard yards and the stuff you don’t really get loads of praise for.”
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