In his last fixture again Manchester City, Jude Bellingham has shown why he is a true star and why he must start in the upcoming world cup tournament. In the meantime, if you are wondering where to bet, look no further than our massive CasinoDaddy selection of casinos. We offer the best sports betting websites that will lead you to big wins in the upcoming football tournament.
As City scored twice in the final 10 minutes to defeat Borussia Dortmund 2-1 and earn maximum points from two games in Champions League Group G, Haaland’s flying finish, completed with athleticism and elasticity that belied his huge stature, was the game-winner.
But for extended stretches, the Premier League winners were helpless against a Dortmund team led by the 18-year-old England midfielder who embodied their poise, measure, and style. After the game, Haaland and Jude Bellingham embraced one another, the latter expressing his respect for the young Norwegian striker while the latter expressed his shock and displeasure at City’s game-winning play.
Bellingham, who is only 19 years old, has previously demonstrated his comfort on Europe’s top stage, but this was again another example of the talent England boss Gareth Southgate simply cannot overlook as he completes his preparations for the World Cup, which begins in Qatar in November. Bellingham will mature as he does with someone his age, but at this point, he already appears to be a complete midfielder, making it increasingly difficult to think of any valid excuses for Southgate to not start him for England.
Declan Rice of West Ham and Kalvin Phillips, who City acquired from Leeds in the summer, has been Southgate’s preferred central midfield tandem, but things have changed. Bellingham provides England with everything they could possibly need for a team that needs to recharge and refocus after recent performances like the 4-0 loss to Hungary at Molineux.
Bellingham can pass in all directions. He demonstrates his ability to score goals by giving Dortmund the lead with a deft glancing header from a cross from Marco Reus. He possesses the defensive skills Southgate appears to value in midfield players.
The former Birmingham City kid possesses excellent close control in confined spaces and superb sleight of foot, and he possesses all the necessary skills to compete at the highest level. It is not surprising that, should Dortmund decide to sell next summer, every top team in Europe will be watching closely.
Bellingham also contributed significantly more than Manchester City’s Jack Grealish, another England World Cup contender, who struggled to have any influence until being replaced immediately after Bellingham gave Dortmund the lead after 56 minutes. Grealish’s lingering glances over his left shoulder as the scores rose suggested he was aware his race had already been won, so it came as little surprise when Guardiola sent him off the field following a terribly disappointing evening.
For a player who thrives on confidence and is so obviously driven to succeed after his £100 million transfer from Aston Villa, Grealish currently appears to be lacking in that priceless resource.
Grealish was particularly cautious in his passing decisions, spent too much time turning back toward his own goal, and his final product was subpar. It might return in a flash of inspiration, but City is so rich that he needs to rediscover his form quickly.
Haaland is another option. Although it was maybe expected that this exceptional 22-year-old would defeat his previous team, the style in which he did it was unique even for the Norwegian striker. Haaland came to Manchester City with high hopes, but he has surpassed them. Even though it is just mid-September, observers are already at a loss for words.
Guardiola was even prompted to compare Haaland’s goal to his great mentor and influence Johan Cruyff because he was so used to being questioned about Haaland that he begged for questions about John Stones before moving on to what has become his typical agenda. City was in danger of letting this game slip away from them, but they are clinging to a firm belief that is strengthened by the fact that when Haaland is present, a goal always seems to be just a minute away. This can be added to their recent comebacks.
However, the Manchester City and Borrusia Dortmund match showed us one key thing – Bellingham is ready for the big stage. Will this transition to the World Cup though?
