Jude Bellingham says comparing him to Steven Gerrard so early in his career is "a bit disrespectful" because he is a long way off the former Liverpool midfielder's legacy.
Bellingham is set to be one of England’s young stars at the World Cup in Qatar after opening the scoring with a deft header in their first match against Iran on Monday. The goal was the 19-year-old centre midfielder's first in his 18th game for his country but came as no surprise after contributing 19 goals and 21 assists in 112 appearances for Borussia Dortmund.
Despite his youth, Bellingham is already earning rave reviews – and comparisons with some past greats. One of those is Gerrard, who scored 21 times in 114 appearances for England while marshalling the Liverpool midfield for 17 years.
Speaking to the BBC ahead of England’s opening World Cup match, Bellingham was asked who his Three Lions heroes were. “Gerrard was probably my biggest one,” he replied. “The character he has besides the football is world class and then you add on his ability and it’s a joke really.”
Bellingham was then asked what he made of the comparison with Gerrard. “Obviously, when your heroes take the time to appreciate what you’ve done it’s really special,” he replied.
“But I'm not sure how I feel because you know, it’s almost a bit disrespectful to him really, with all he’s achieved in the game, to then say that after three years we have similarities. I think I just want to be Jude and kind of go on my own path. What he did was amazing and if I can get even close to what he’s done then I’ve done well.”
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Bellingham will be patrolling the England midfield alongside Declan Rice, with Kalvin Phillips left on the bench following a spell on the sidelines with an injury.
The Dortmund star is happiest when playing a box-to-box midfield role, but he is ready to sit deeper in midfield when asked, with Mason Mount or Phil Foden given more freedom ahead of him.
“I’m ready to play whatever role the manager wants me to play really,” he said. “I’m here because I’ve played well for Dortmund and in the last few games for England. I believe in my ability but also I don’t want to get carried away. I want to go out there and help the team win, as always.”
Asked to describe his personality, Bellingham replied: “Determined, confident. I think my whole life revolves around football really. So I think all the characteristics you see on the pitch are similar off the pitch, a bit more toned down, I hope. When I get on the pitch I feel really free.”
