Jude Bellingham unfazed by price tag, does not want to be compared with Gerrard or Lampard
By Tushar Bahl
Jude Bellingham has said that he does not feel any pressure of his price tag and wants to help Borussia Dortmund win the Bundesliga title this season.
Bellingham joined Borussia Dortmund from hometown club Birmingham City for a fee of 25 million euros earlier this summer, becoming the most expensive 17 year old in football history. But the midfielder does not feel any pressure despite the high transfer fee, and wants to make an impact for his new team this season.
"“To be honest, I don’t feel any pressure. The pressure I put on myself is great than any price tag,” Bellingham said in an interview with Sport1."
Bellingham is coming off an impressive breakthrough campaign with Birmingham City, and his performances have seen him earn comparisons with legendary England midfielders Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard. But the Borussia Dortmund youngster does not want to be compared with anyone, and wants to write his own story.
"“I’m the first Jude Bellingham, and I don’t want to be compared with Gerrard or Lampard. They were undoubtedly great players, but I have other qualities. I’m a different player and a different person,” Bellingham said."
Bellingham has settled in at his new club very quickly. He has looked sharp both in training and in test matches. The England U-17s international scored his first goal for Borussia Dortmund last week in their 11-2 pre-season friendly win over Austria Wien. He is now determined to play as many minutes as possible for the Black and Yellows this season and reach the next level.
"“Personally, I would like to get as many minutes of play as possible – even in the big games. I would like to give assists, score goals and put on good performances. You have to be confident, especially when you join a new club. I want to keep learning and reach a new level in all aspects.”"
Borussia Dortmund have competed for the Bundesliga title in each of the last two seasons, ultimately falling just short of Bayern Munich in both campaigns. And Bellingham believes that everyone in the Dortmund camp is determined to win the Meisterschale this season.
"“You can ask any player in our team: We’re all trying to win the title. And we’ll do everything we can to make sure that we achieve it.”"
Next. Jude Bellingham: The story so far. dark
Bellingham and Borussia Dortmund get their Bundesliga campaign underway at home to Borussia Mönchengladbach on Saturday, September 19.