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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
David McDonnell

Jude Bellingham makes honest Erling Haaland admission and plays down "crazy" transfer talk

Jude Bellingham has admitted it will be almost impossible for Borussia Dortmund to stop their former striker Erling Haaland.

Haaland faces Dortmund on Wednesday, for the first time since his summer move to Manchester City, with Bellingham in awe of his former team-mate's talent.

“I'm not really sure how you stop him,” said England midfielder Bellingham. “We'll have to find out tomorrow.

“It's not just an individual thing, the team has to do it collectively. If we do the right things without the ball, it can be possible.

“It's important that everyone is present, be the one who makes the difference, pull together and be on the same page.

“Otherwise, they’ll pick us apart, because they have the quality.

Asked about a potential return to England, with City, Liverpool and Manchester United all keeping tabs on him, Bellingham played down a possible move to the Premier League.

“I'm here to help Borussia Dortmund win the game,” said Bellingham.

“If I can showcase my talents, it’s a bonus. I'm very happy here and focused on the goals. I'm not looking past that.

“The club has done loads for me, made me feel welcome and given me the opportunity to develop.

Bellingham knows Haaland well from his time at Dortmund (Pool via REUTERS)

“So it's not something I’m thinking about. To be thinking like that would be crazy – I'm just looking forward to the game.”

Bellingham, 19, has enjoyed a rapid rise at Dortmund, following his £25million move from Birmingham two years ago, which has even surprised him.

“I think all of it has been a bit of a surprise,” said Bellingham. “I didn’t think I’d have the impact quite like I have.

“I thought I’d have to wait longer, but the coaches have thrown me in at the deep end and given me the chance to learn.

“I had qualities I didn’t know I had and it’s all down to them.”

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