Key Talking Points from Borussia Dortmund’s 2-0 win over Arminia Bielefeld

Bellingham puts on yet another mature performance

Borussia Dortmund’s reputation for being able to both cultivate and scour the globe for some of the world’s most talented footballers has once again been highlighted by the signing of Jude Bellingham this summer. In fact, Bellingham’s first games for Dortmund have been such a hit, that the midfielder has seamlessly made the transition to the Bundesliga and looks as if he’s already played for the club for a few seasons already.

Bellingham’s link up play with his teammates has been phenomenal, and his constant work-rate has been something only topped by the likes of Mo Dahoud, which is saying a lot because the German international himself has been on absolute fire. Focusing on Bellingham though, who is both much younger and much newer to the team, the way he has so effortlessly entered the starting 11 is simply nothing less than a joy to watch. The young Englishman has played with the composure and discipline that is hard to find among 17 year olds.

In the first half alone, Bellingham put up numbers that peaked with 67% of his challenges won and a pass accuracy of 89%. The most impressive part? The passes in question were not lateral or backwards, many were forward thinking and progressive. In the 40th minute for example, Bellingham sent in a wonderful, curling pass that found Manuel Akanji; a pass that almost led to the opening goal for Dortmund.

Bellingham’s play did much of what Dortmund needed from their midfield against a deep lying team like Bielefeld – it was strong, authoritative and worked to unlock the defence. In that one instant with the pass to Akanji, Bellingham’s play took the entire Bielefeld defence out of the equation, circumventing their back-line and creating a dangerous opportunity for his side. I think we can expect to see much more from Jude in the coming matches as he continues to develop in this positive and exciting trajectory.