I agree to an extent, Che, but there is something about JB that stands out. Watching him play at international level he has that easy swagger you see in the Ibras, Mbappes and Debruynes. That doesn’t mean he will make their heights but to me he is more exciting than Rooney, or Owen, or Gerrard were.
Also you look at the move he made from Birmingham to Dortmund at only 17 to see what kind of person he is. That's a huge adjustment for a teenager to make but his ambition and his confidence in himself pushed him to do it. Rooney made a move of about 20 miles at that age. Owen didn't make the move abroad until well into his 20's. Very few people can move abroad at such a young age and flourish pretty much straight away. Bellingham is England's biggest talent in my lifetime for me.
Rooney at the Euros in '04 and Owen at the WC in '98 both created a huge buzz among England fans and media.
So far so good. But they've not really played anyone yet. Need him to carry this form on over a whole season, and into the big games in the UCL. England have had so many players over the years who didn't turn up in the big games.
From what I've seen from him in an England shirt he has turned up. He was one of our best players at last year's World Cup, not his fault Kane skied that penalty against France. From what I've seen and heard, Bellingham has so much belief in himself. His move to Germany at 17, his choice to wear 5 at Madrid because Zidane wore it. The start to his Madrid career should not be underestimated. The pressure just wearing a Real Madrid kit brings is unreal and unrivalled. It's easily the most demanding club in the world. Just look how they turned on Bale despite what he did there. He has so much self-belief it borders on arrogance but just stays the right side of that line. He is a superstar at 20 and would walk into any team in the world. That's where he differs from Rooney, Gerrard etc. They wouldn't do that at age 20 IMO.
I know that, but he said he took it because Zidane wore it. You're missing the point anyway. It's the mentality of the man. If you're a Real Madrid fan, what do you think when a 20 year old Englishman signs and immediately say's he wants to wear 5 because of Zidane? It sends out a clear message to them he wants to stamp his authority on the team straight away. He wants to become a Real Madrid legend. He's certainly off to a good start.
France was the only 'big' game he's had for England. Can't remember how he did really, but not gonna judge him - bad or good - on one game.
Like I said, so far so good. Bellingham looks incredible, and I fully agree he's going to be a huge England player over the next decade. And yes, he has a great mentality, you're right. But Mason Mount chose to wear the number 7 shirt at United. Most football players would take an iconic shirt number given the choice, of course they would. But backing up that mentality with actual big game performances and winning trophies, is a whole other matter. Incidentally Zidane said that Gerrard was the best player in the world in the early 00s, and the one midfielder he wanted more than any other, to play alongside him at Madrid. And yet if you were to say now that Bellingham could be 'the next Gerrard', people would scoff and say, 'nah he's much better than Gerrard etc'. Such is the way media hype works. One minute a player is young and fashionable, the next minute they're over the hill, and forgotten.
That's because he was born in Portsmouth. There are about 3 players I can think of that were born in Portsmouth that weren't crap.
We get it. You want us to not overhype Bellingham. But he is getting hype and he is one hell of a player. Saints make me miserable most of the time. Let us get excited about this lad! You owe me this as the first cheerleader of the famous Brussel Scouts overhyping.
I actually agree with you che about England players being overhyped. I have never really bought into most of it. Rooney the original hype was real, he was easily one of the best in the world but I feel like his career fizzled out and he never really achieved what he could have (which is ridiculous to say considering how good he was). He was up there with CR7 for a little while though. Realistically though you are right, the English media and fans have been very quick to call players world class when it turns out that they aren’t at all. But the hype around Foden & Bellingham is justified imo. They are truly world class players that could play for any team. ;So is Kane, so is Stones. I think there is a case for Saka to be in that conversation as well.) For the first time in a long time I truly believe it’s not just media hype.
Intrigued to see Reuben Selles' Reading near the foot of the Div One table albiet I believe the culb has had a three point deduction for lae pat,ent of wages. Reading are a funny club as they hace the facilities which should allow them to bat above their status. Selles was a good appointment for them and also somewhere that would provide Selles with the proper grounding to kick-start his managerial career. I think he will come good although I would not like to put a timescale on that. Reading aren;t famed for their patience either. Have to say that Eddie Howe's position might be one to keep the eyes on too. I have to say that I have always felt that his reputation was a bit inflated. Certainly not a future England coach but maybe the kind of manager who would work wonders with a club like Reading in the future.
