JUDE BELLINGHAM will be a new name to many football fans.
Of those who have heard about this exceptional talent hailing from our second city, only those who love their Championship football will have watched him in action.
Jude Bellingham seems destined for a major club in the summer after already starting 21 games for Birmingham this season, at the age of 16Credit: PA:Empics Sport
Versatile Jude Bellingham has been compared to England star Dele AlliCredit: Alamy Live News
This is an extraordinary 16-year-old. And one who is attracting interest from most of the world’s superpowers — from Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund to Barcelona and Real Madrid — along with just about every Premier League side.
Incredibly, he has featured 31 times for Birmingham this season, including 21 starts, scoring four goals.
For a player of his age, particularly a midfielder, that is absolutely staggering.
But Bellingham is taking everything in his stride and has already become a key player for Brum.
He earns just £145 a week as he is still a scholar.
He does not turn 17 until the end of June, when he will be able to sign a professional contract.
COMPARED TO DELE ALLI
If, as expected, he joins one of the real big guns in the summer, he will command wages of anything up to £100,000 a week.
Bellingham made his club debut this season aged 16 years and 38 days in the Carabao Cup against Portsmouth, becoming the Blues’ youngest player.
At Fratton Park he played as a striker. But generally this season he has played across the midfield. Left wing, the centre — and even on the right, his position at Barnsley on Tuesday.
SunSport watched his latest appearance at Oakwell, when he set up Scott Hogan’s winning goal in the 76th minute with outstanding work down the wing.
The whizkid who is being compared to Dele Alli took all of Birmingham’s corners and most free-kicks.
Brum wonderkid Jude Bellingham is the hottest prospect in the ChampionshipCredit: Alamy Live News
Without an agent, the player’s guiding light is his father Mark, a sergeant in the West Midlands Police — and prolific former non-league striker who played over 700 games for teams such as Stourbridge, Leamington, Bromsgrove and Halesowen.
Blues boss Pep Clotet said: “I am happy to support Jude and I think we are doing something good not only for Birmingham but for English football.
“He is very grounded. His family have done a fantastic job on him and we are working together to make sure it stays like this and his mentality stays the same.
“All the lads in the locker room are now keeping him grounded.
“He has been massive for us the whole season.
PLAY JUDE: SPOTLIGHT ON BELLINGHAM
JUDE BELLINGHAM played a blinder in Birmingham’s 1-0 win at Barnsley on Tuesday.
SunSport’s CHARLIE WYETT was there to see it and here he gives us the lowdown on what City’s teen sensation can offer the Premier League giants.
PHYSIQUE
Will be a powerful and strong player — and is already 6ft — but at only 16 he is by no means the finished article.
PACE
Extremely quick off the ball and with it at his feet and is causing opponents lots of problems.
DELIVERY
His passing and awareness are outstanding. Right-footed but not afraid to use his left.
At Barnsley on Tuesday, all of his corners hit dangerous areas. Crossed for Scott Hogan’s winner.
GOAL THREAT
Has scored four times this season and will continue to add goals to his game. Happy to try his luck, although his one effort at Oakwell was off target.
ATTITUDE
Never gives up and seems unfazed when he tries something and it does not quite work.
Behind the scenes at Birmingham he has impressed everyone with his willingness to work hard — and listen.
He is so far ahead of schedule given that many players do not make their first-team debuts until 19 or 20.
Bellingham is a lifelong Birmingham fan – he shared this cute photo on social media of him as a six-year-oldCredit: Twitter @bellinghamjude
Jude Bellingham’s dad Mark (left) played non-league football – and scored 700 goals for the likes of Stourbridge, Leamington, Sutton Coldfield, Bromsgrove Rovers and Halesowen TownCredit: Birmingham City FC
Since shining for Birmingham and England Under-17s, Bellingham is being watched by Bayern MunichCredit: Instagram / @judebellingham
“For our winning goal at Barnsley, Jude chased a ball which was a lost cause.
“He believed something could happen and as soon as he won the ball, the passage of play was so open and he found Hogan.
“I prefer Jeremie Bela to take set-pieces but he was injured, so Jude was our best option. We had him in pre-season and even then he was not the player he is now.
“But he did have that mentality to grow and grow — to realise what is working and what is not.
“He is a very modern player because he can play central midfield, on the wing and as a striker.”
Another fan is Birmingham club legend Paul Tait. He is now director of Midland Soccer Coaching — but watches all of Blues’ games home and away as a supporter.
Birmingham manager Pep Clotet has praised Jude Bellingham’s mentalityCredit: PA:Press Association
Tait said: “Jude is such a great talent. I have watched him all season but I am still not sure of his best position, because he has been used in so many.
“He played up front away to Portsmouth in the Carabao Cup as we were without a recognised striker.
“The Pompey defenders were like giants — but Jude was not afraid and gave it a go. Even from that game alone, I knew he would go far.
‘MAY NEED A REST SOON’
“He never shirks. For a lad so young, and because we have not exactly been on fire this season, you would think he might not want the ball. But he is always looking for it and his work-rate is excellent.
“Playing in the Championship is physical yet he is a big lad for his age and gets stuck in while still showing his quality.
“Myself and a few other fans think he may need a rest soon but unfortunately we cannot afford to do that. It is a bit strange when you consider we have been relying on a 16 year old.
“I had heard about him for a while. Jude also has a younger brother at the club.”
Ex-midfielder Tait, 48, made 211 appearances for Blues between 1988 and 1999.
After scoring the winner in the 1995 Football League Trophy final against Carlisle, he revealed a T-shirt saying “Birmingham City s**t on the Villa.”
He added: “To play for your home club is special and Jude clearly loves it.
“It was the same for me when I made my debut at 16. I found it very difficult but Jude is more advanced physically.
“My debut was 1988 and everyone kicked each other. Now players are protected more.
“Lots of clubs want Jude. I personally think he will go in the summer — but I hope whoever buys him will loan him back.
“He could be as good as Dele Alli, in fact I think he will go even further. He works harder and has a nasty streak in him.”
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
