Liverpool target Jude Bellingham has been compared to Wayne Rooney by Jamie Carragher, with the England World Cup star also tipped to lead the Three Lions.
What’s the story?
Well, the 44-year-old waxed lyrical about the 19-year-old when speaking to Sky Sports, claiming that the Borussia Dortmund No.22 is set to have a very, very bright future.
Carragher said: “To be captain of a club the size of Borussia Dortmund at 19 years of age, as a young foreign player in Germany, just shows you how they feel about him. We know he’s a special talent, you think of Michael Owen, the same with Wayne Rooney.
“I think him and Declan Rice are going to be the mainstays in England’s midfield across the next two or three tournaments, and the two are probably vying with each other (for the captaincy).”
It comes after a number of news outlets – including The Athletic – claimed that Bellingham is a target for Jürgen Klopp at Liverpool.
Marca in Spain even believe Real Madrid – who are also interested in the teenager’s services – are becoming worried about Liverpool’s presence in the race for his signature.
In our view, it is only a matter of time until Bellingham – who now has ten goals for club and country this season – captains England.
As Carragher mentioned, Borussia Dortmund have already recognised the England international’s leadership qualities by handing him the armband in recent weeks, which speaks volumes given his age.
Bellingham leads by example, both vocally as well as with his outstandingly consistent performances, so it would be a real shock if he doesn’t become the outright captain for club and country later in his career.
Liverpool could sign Declan Rice instead of Jude Bellingham
Interestingly, Carragher also tipped Rice as a potential England captain in future, and the West Ham No.41 has actually been mentioned as a target for Liverpool in addition to Bellingham.
That is according to the Telegraph, who believe Klopp is considering a move for the 23-year-old, who will have just 12 months remaining on his contract at the end of the season.
It feels unlikely that Liverpool will be able to afford both Bellingham and Rice, so if Real Madrid – or another of Europe’s elite – manage to pinch the teenager from Klopp’s grasp, then we wouldn’t be surprised to see the West Ham captain move to Anfield instead.
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