Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has reserved high praise for Borussia Dortmund’s Jude Bellingham ahead of their Champions League clash on Tuesday night.
“Borussia Dortmund is the perfect place for young talent to come,” Guardiola told media. “Maybe if Jude Bellingham was in England he would go to [Manchester] City, [Manchester] United, Liverpool, Chelsea, Arsenal or Tottenham, maybe he would not get the minutes. The best thing for a young player to be better is to play minutes.
“He was 17 when he arrived but it was not just about his quality, how he was leading, his kicking, going to the referee. This guy was something special in terms of his mentality. Now he is 19 and he is already one of the captains. The quality, everybody knows it. The whole package is really good.”
After four goals in four consecutive Champions League games, Bellingham (19) becomes the only teenager to reach this milestone alongside Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappé.
Bellingham also received praise from Borussia Dortmund’s head coach Edin Terzic ahead of tonight’s game. The England international was named BVB’s third captain behind Marco Reus and Mats Hummels and has taken upon a new role at the Bundesliga club.
“I think he’s the oldest 19-year-old I’ve ever seen. Not only do we benefit from him but BVB is also the right step for him. Jude will have a big impact not only with us but also with the England national team,” said Terzic.
GGFN | Daniel Pinder
