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DOHA. — Jude Bellingham’s record-setting performance against Senegal on Sunday night at the FIFA World Cup has led England team-mate Phil Foden to make a bold prediction about the 19-year-old’s future.
“I don’t want to big him up too much because he is still young, but he’s one of the most gifted players I have ever seen,” Foden told ITV.
“He has no weakness in his game. I think he will be the best midfielder in the world.”
High praise indeed and echoed from all corners after England set up a World Cup quarter-final against France with an impressive 3-0 victory over the African champions on Sunday at Al Bayt Stadium.
Bellingham demonstrated precisely why he has become one of the most sought-after talents in European football.
The stats certainly backed up the noise around his outstanding contribution as the Three Lions reached the last eight at consecutive World Cup tournaments for the first time since 2006.
He did, after all, become the first teenager to assist in a World Cup knockout stage game since at least 1966 — because that’s as far back Opta’s data goes, for any nation — when he set up Jordan Henderson’s opener.
Henderson could also not speak highly enough of Bellingham. “I can’t keep saying nice things about him because we’re talking about a one-off,” the Liverpool captain told BBC Sport.
“He’s only young and we just need to let him play football — but he is incredible.”
Aged 19 years and 158 days, he is also the youngest player to assist in any World Cup game for England — also since at least 1966.
Bellingham led the way on a host of metrics in a commanding first-half midfield display, including the most duels won (eight), tackles won (three), possession won in the final third (two) and fouls won for his side (two).
The assured Borussia Dortmund midfielder also had a 100% passing accuracy in the final third and an overall pass completion of 96% (23/24 passes) — the best figures on the pitch respectively.
That includes the assist for England’s first goal and the pass to Foden leading to the Manchester City forward teeing up Harry Kane to make it 2-0.
Speaking at half-time, former England defender Micah Richards told BBC Radio 5 Live: “He’s 19 years of age. To put in a performance like that is just incredible.
“When the game was flat and Senegal were causing England real problems, just when they needed someone to grab the game by the scruff of the neck, Bellingham was there, whether it was defending, attacking, passing.
“I like how aggressive he was, up against a strong and fast Senegalese team. What a performance it was.
“His decision-making as well. He’s got that part of his game already at such a young age. It’s breathtaking.” — BBC Sport
Online Reporter