Former Borussia Dortmund goalkeeper Jens Lehmann believes that Jude Bellingham has the potential to become the next Patrick Vieira.
Jude Bellingham has made an incredible start at Borussia Dortmund after joining the club in the summer from Birmingham City. The 17 year old has quickly become a regular starter for the Black and Yellows, showing maturity and confidence beyond his years. And Jens Lehmann believes that the midfielder can go right to the very top.
Speaking to the Daily Mail, the former Borussia Dortmund and Germany goalkeeper heaped big praise on Bellingham.
"Lehmann said: “He could become a Patrick Vieira. I like him a lot, he is very young but he takes people on. Physically he is very strong, he wins a lot of 1 on 1s. People don’t see that that much but I looked at his statistics, he is impressive. There are no limits for players like him.”"
Bellingham has made 16 appearances for Borussia Dortmund so far this season, scoring one goal and providing two assists. But those stats don’t even begin to show just how good he has been. His performances helped him earn his first senior England call-up in November. And just days later, he became the third youngest player to ever play for the Three Lions after coming off the bench in the game against Republic of Ireland.
Lehmann said that Borussia Dortmund’s ‘team value is amazing right now,’ with all the youngsters making their mark in the first-team.
"“He [Bellingham] is another great purchase by Borussia. And if you look at all of their young players, I think their team value is amazing right now, with Jadon Sancho and Bellingham from England.”"
Lehmann was also asked if the form of Jadon Sancho has been affected by transfer rumours. The 20 year old was heavily linked with a move to Manchester United in the summer, but the transfer never materialised. Lehmann said that Erling Haaland has taken on the hype of Sancho since joining the club in January.
"“I don’t know if that’s true. I only know that the hype has come down a little because now Haaland is playing for Borussia. And he is a beast I can tell you, he is fantastic. Unfortunately he is injured right now, but when he plays he is like a train, he goes forward very fast. He took on the hype of Sancho.”"
Haaland has scored 33 goals in just 32 appearances since joining Borussia Dortmund, but is currently out with a torn muscle fibre.