Glen Johnson has backed Liverpool target Jude Bellingham to be a ‘big player’ for any Premier League team who may sign him.
The 19-year-old has been in the spotlight again this week for his performances in an England shirt, where he has all but cemented his place in the midfield alongside Declan Rice - the West Ham man reserved huge praise for his new partner this week. Such performances have understandably ignited discussion over the teenager’s future, with Borussia Dortmund likely to sell their £130million asset in the next 12 months.
Liverpool are known to be long-time admirers, but face stiff competition from Real Madrid, and more recently Chelsea - Todd Boehly has aggressively been trying to catch up with the two frontrunners. But wherever Bellingham ends up, Johnson has backed him to be a ‘big player’.
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“I'm a big fan, he's a great player,” Johnson told SafeBettingSites. “Bellingham would suit the Premier League down to a tee. Super young, pretty much can do anything. I think he's going to be a big player for whoever signs him. Whoever does sign him up, he gets into their team.”
For now, at least, Liverpool must return to their scintillating best without splurging £100million on Bellingham. Jurgen Klopp’s side are already nine points off the top of the Premier League table following two wins from their opening six games, with midfield an area of concern for Reds fans.
But Johnson backs the ever-reliable Jordan Henderson to lead the post-international break fight back with a mix of effort and leadership - the former Reds right-back has also urged some of the club’ younger midfield talents to take heed of their captain’s attitude.
“Henderson is the centre cog in the team, works his socks off, gets other people going and he's been a captain for a few years,” Johnson added. “I don't think he deserves to be forgotten about. But you've got some young, very fit players coming through. It would be good for them to learn from playing with Henderson, even partner up with them if need be, but I don't think Henderson should be dropped from out of nowhere.”
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