Jude Bellingham determined to be a regular starter at Borussia Dortmund

Jude Bellingham has set his sights on working his way into the Borussia Dortmund starting XI and playing regularly this season.

Bellingham joined Borussia Dortmund from Birmingham City for a fee of 25 million euros earlier this summer, becoming the most expensive 17 year old footballer ever. The midfielder has already shown glimpses of his incredible quality with impressive performances in the Black and Yellows’ pre-season games, and now he is determined to play his part for the team this season.

In an interview with SportBILD, Bellingham said:

"“I want to take further steps in my development. This includes playing as often as possible and proving myself at the highest level of the Bundesliga and Champions League.”“It was important for me to prove myself from day one (last season), despite the long and exhausting season in the championship, and to prove that I deserve a place. It has worked out pretty well so far.”"

Borussia Dortmund have a heavily stacked midfield, and Bellingham will compete with the likes of Axel Witsel, Julian Brandt, Emre Can, Thomas Delaney and Mahmoud Dahoud for a spot in the starting XI this season. But the young Englishman has confidence in his ability to achieve the goals he has set for himself.

"“It’s healthy competition, I like that. Being able to learn from these players will help me to become a better player myself. I know what I can do and I’m trying to find my way into the team.”“You put pressure on yourself if you don’t prepare well enough and you lack confidence. That’s why I always try to be well prepared and self-confident in order to achieve the goals I set myself.”"

Borussia Dortmund head coach Lucien Favre is also excited about having Bellingham in his squad, and feels that the highly rated midfielder can offer the team some much needed dynamism and directness from the middle of the park.

"Favre said: “It is important that we have midfielders who can speed up the game, who can dribble and play the final pass. Jude knows when he needs to leave his position and move forward. That’s important.”"

Bellingham is coming off an impressive breakthrough season with hometown club Birmingham City, where he made 45 appearances in all competitions. His performances saw him win the Young Player of the Season and LFE Championship Apprentice of the Year awards in England’s second division. And recently he was rewarded with a call-up to the England U-21s squad.

Bellingham could make his Borussia Dortmund debut against MSV Duisburg in the first round of the DFB Pokal in two weeks’ time.