Sebastian Kehl, Borussia Dortmund’s head of first-team football, was impressed with Jude Bellingham’s first few displays in the black and yellow jersey. The 17-year-old is BVB’s most recent signing, after his move from Birmingham City for £25m, making him the most expensive teenager in world football.
Bellingham has made 3 appearances so far in Dortmund’s pre-season campaign. In these 3 games, he has displayed his class on and off the ball. He also scored his first goal for the club against Austria Wien in the club’s thumping 11-2 victory.
Former Dortmund player Sebastian Kehl spoke about Bellingham’s performances so far. He said, “Jude has integrated very well. He is bursting with confidence. He brings us so much aggressiveness and physicality in the midfield, which is very, very good for us. Jude has really attracted attention, despite only being 17 years of age.”
Jude recently received his first England U21 call-up after his impressive season for Birmingham City in the 2019/20 Championship. He is a central midfielder who has all the attributes to drive ahead and create chances as well as the ability to track back and defend.
Bellingham could be used as the more advanced central midfielder in a 3-4-3 or even as the attacking midfielder in a 4-2-3-1 depending on the formation that Lucien Favre deploys.
In other news, Sebastian Kehl is likely to be given a one-year contract extension up till 2022 as the head of first-team football. Kehl is likely to take over as Borussia Dortmund’s Sporting Director when Michael Zorc steps down from the position.