Jobe Bellingham: The Next Big Talent At Borussia Dortmund

There was probably a sense of ‘de ja vu’ among many fans in the summer. Arguably, the club hadn’t really replaced Jude Bellingham, after the England international made his blockbuster move to Real Madrid.

Many probably hadn’t even thought that they would see what is essentially a carbon copy (and according to some), an upgrade on what they had previously.

Of course, we’re talking about Bellingham junior. Jobe Bellingham could be set to follow the same trajectory of his older brother after his £27 million move from Sunderland in the summer. There are high expectations for the 20-year-old that he will play an increasingly pivotal part as the season progresses.

So far, it has been a case of coach Niko Kovac easing him into the first team. Currently trusted in the number 6 role, just in front of the defence, many believe, like his brother, he can progress into more of an all-action, box-to-box player at the highest level.

This is a position he is used to having excelled as a number 8/10 while at Sunderland, though at a lower level.

Still Early Though Hopes Are High

At the minute, it seems that Kovac is weary about over-using him too early and, as such, he appears to be getting eased into the team gradually to get used to the better standard of football and form relationships on the pitch.

His brother adapted to the Bundesliga relatively quickly and it is believed that Bellingham the younger can get to grips with it at a similar pace.

While in the league, after two appearances, he is yet to register a goal or assist, he performed well in the Club World Cup campaign, getting on the scoresheet in Dortmund’s 4-3 win over Mamelodi Sundowns.

While, in the grand scheme of things, he is still only young, he has obvious admirable traits. Like his brother, he appears to be blessed with athleticism and dynamism in addition to the maturity of a seasoned professional.

Similarly to his brother, he will add goals and assists to his game in time and he is definitely a possible future Ballon d’or contender. We could even see the Bellingham brothers running the England midfield at future international tournaments.

Future Title Winner At Dortmund?

There is no doubt that this team needs additions (especially defensively), if they are to have any hope of winning the Bundesliga, though going forward and, arguably, in midfield, there is ability.

Bellingham can and, likely, will become a key part of this midfield in due course and even possibly, the most influential player in the team, just like his older brother did. What his sibling didn’t manage to do though, was win the Bundesliga. Such an achievement could have critics arguing that this may mean he is even better.

While it is probably still too early to predict the possible trajectory of his career, signs so far suggest that Bellingham junior can go on to win over the hearts of the Dortmund faithful and become a true fan favourite. Time though, as always, will tell.