Kieran Trippier believes that Liverpool target Jude Bellingham is 'world class' as the midfielder gets set to star for England in the World Cup.
Bellingham has become a shoo-in to start alongside Declan Rice in Qatar, following an outstanding first-half of his club season with Borussia Dortmund. The 19-year-old has scored nine goals so far this campaign, including four from five Champions League appearances in which he has captained his side on occasions.
The teenager joined up with his England teammates - including Liverpool pair Jordan Henderson and Trent Alexander-Arnold - at the start of this week as they prepare to head to Qatar. Since the Three Lions last met for a couple of Nations League matches against Italy and Germany, Bellingham's market value has sky-rocketed and the teenager has arguably become the most in-demand player in the world.
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And speaking on the Under the Cosh podcast, Newcastle United full-back Trippier seemed blown away by the rapid development of Bellingham into one of the world's best midfielders, admitting that the teenager is now 'world class'.
“For such a young guy, he’s what, 18? Him and Phil [Foden] are unbelievable,” Trippier said. “He’s just so mature for his age, the way he plays, the way he manages his game, he’s world class now. He’s unbelievable.”
Liverpool will no doubt be one of several top-level sides monitoring Bellingham's performances over the next six weeks, with the likes of Real Madrid and Manchester City also keen on a move next summer. The Reds and old rivals Manchester United reportedly sent scouts to watch the midfielder in Friday evening's 4-2 defeat at Borussia Monchengladbach.
Borussia Dortmund CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke last week revealed that he and Bellingham will enter showdown talks over the midfielder's future once he returns to Dortmund.
Issuing an update on the current state of play regarding contract conversations, Watzke told Bild: “I think as soon as Qatar is over. We will have a general discussion about what he actually wants.
"With him, with his parents, with whom we have a very close relationship. And of course with his advisor. And then he should just tell us whether he wants to stay or whether he wants to leave. In both cases, we will have a very pleasant and reasonable discussion with each other.
"But we don’t have to pretend that the issue is not on the table. If the really big clubs are involved, then we can’t afford to have a fight financially.”
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