Jude Bellingham: More to Borussia Dortmund than just young players

Jude Bellingham does not see Borussia Dortmund as a stepping stone club, and has heaped praise on the club’s experienced stars.

Jude Bellingham joined Borussia Dortmund this summer and has made an immediate impact, becoming a regular starter at just the age of 17. But despite his fast start, the midfielder does not think that Dortmund is all about the youngsters, and believes that the club has a lot more to offer with a good balance of youth and experience in the squad.

In an interview with Kicker magazine, Bellingham said:

"“It is understandable that when things are going well, we young players are in the spotlight. But I think that’s unfair, I have to say. Dortmund has more to offer. I think we have a very good balance between experience on the one hand and young players on the other. Players like Reus, Hummels, Can or Witsel are incredibly important for the team. They have our backs so that we can play the way we play.”"

Bellingham was also full of praise of Jadon Sancho, saying that the forward is a role model to players of his age, and offers a lot of encouragement to the young players in the team. Sancho is still only 20 himself, but has spoken in the past about his desire to take on a leadership role at Borussia Dortmund.

"“Sancho is really very important for me. Not only because he comes from the same country as me. Or because he speaks the same language. Even more important is how he puts his arm around me, but also around the other young players, how he encourages us in our abilities, how he gives us confidence.”“He is a great role model for English players of my age. To receive praise and encouragement from him means an awful lot to me. It helps me a lot."

Bellingham was also asked about his thoughts on a potential return to his homeland in the future, and said that right now it is not something that he is thinking about at all.

"“Honestly, I don’t think about that at all right now. It feels great to play for BVB. I don’t have a career plan or anything like that in mind. I live in the moment and take each day as it comes. Today I’m concentrating on training, on Wednesday on the game against Zenit. I don’t think beyond that.”"

The England U-21s international became the most expensive 17 year old in football history this summer when Borussia Dortmund bought him from Birmingham City. A number of other big clubs were also interested in signing Bellingham, but he says that the decision to join the Black and Yellows was a very easy one.

"“The decision was made around the time when we started playing again after the lockdown. The question of why is easy to answer: you have already addressed the many young players. But the club itself is also incredibly attractive: its size and importance, its stadium, its fans, its successes – and its ambitions. BVB has a lot of plans; it feels great to be able to help out.”"

Bellingham has already broken a number of records since his move to Borussia Dortmund, and he hopes that breaking records is something he can continue to do throughout his career. “They (records) are a good indicator of how hard I am working towards my goals,” Bellingham said. “I hope I can break a few more records in my career.”