Arsenal legend Ray Parlour has likened Jude Bellingham to Bryan Robson and Steven Gerrard, and has backed the teenager to become one of England’s greatest-ever midfielders.
Bellingham has taken the World Cup in Qatar by storm, scoring the opening goal in England’s 6-2 win over Iran.
That made the 19-year-old the second youngest scorer for England at a World Cup and he has continued to impress as the Three Lions topped Group B to reach the last-16.
Parlour, who won 10 caps for England playing in midfield, has hailed Bellingham’s performances and believes the sky is the limit for the youngster.
“Jude Bellingham is absolutely brilliant and I think he has the potential to become one of England’s greatest ever midfielders,” said Parlour.
“He’s an old-fashioned box-to-box midfielder who reminds me a lot of Steven Gerrard and Bryan Robson.
“Bellingham made a big decision to move to Germany at such a young age and I think he’s being rewarded for that.
“He’s still a teenager and he is so mature on the pitch. He isn’t fazed by competing in the Champions League for Dortmund or by scoring at a World Cup for England.
“He’s already wearing the armband as captain of Borussia Dortmund now and he’s going to be world-class in a couple of years, if he isn’t already.”
Bellingham is attracting major interest ahead of the January and summer transfer windows, with Borussia Dortmund likely to demand over £100million for his signature.
Parlour believes the teenager could end up in the Premier League, although he fears his old club Arsenal will be priced out of a move.
“Bellingham is going to be a major player moving forwards and I hope we see him in the Premier League soon,” he said.
“I bet there are lots of clubs around Europe wishing they had been able to agree a deal with Borussia Dortmund before this World Cup started because his price is going up with every game that he plays.
“Unfortunately, he might prove too expensive for Arsenal!”
Ray Parlour was speaking to Powerleague to celebrate its popular Fan Zones at Shoreditch, Birmingham and Romford clubs featuring big screens, heated marquees and great value food and drink. Showing all games of the World cup. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.powerleague.co.uk/club-finder.
