Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson believes he’s never seen a young player with the same mentality as Jude Bellingham and said it would be “amazing” to play alongside his England team-mate at Anfield next season.
Bellingham enjoyed another fine international break, again being one of the standouts as England beat Italy and Ukraine to take control of their Euro 2024 qualifying group.
The 19-year-old played for Borussia Dortmund again this season and helped Edin Terzic’s team to the top of the Bundesliga with his performances.
Bellingham has 24 caps for England and scored his first goal in the World Cup win against Iran, and Henderson is suitably impressed by what he saw up close.
“His potential has really gone through the roof,” he said.
“He can be as good as he wants – but he has the right mentality, that’s the most important thing.
“He’s a very special player and I can’t believe his age and mentality, how he engages in training and games, everything.
Honestly I can’t believe his age, how mature he is playing, how mature he is off the pitch
“I’ve never seen that before, so I’m pretty confident he’ll be a pretty good player for many years to come.
“Honestly I can’t believe his age, how mature he is playing, how mature he is off the pitch, in the gym, in training, everything, recovery the day after the game. He’s only committed to football.”
When asked to compare himself to Bellingham at 19, Henderson drew a parallel but insisted he was not as good as his English counterpart.
“He’s a lot better than me, that’s the difference,” Henderson added.
“In terms of mentality, we’re similar in terms of dedicating my life to doing the right things and trying to improve and get better every day.
“I can see that, but he’s certainly better than me at that age. He’s a special player, but I’ve already said it, we just have to be careful not to put too much pressure on him but let him play football.
“If you let him play football you can see what he’s doing for Dortmund, you can see what he’s doing here for England. Every time he puts on an England shirt he grows and just keeps getting better and better.
“Of course there are things he can improve and improve – he’s only 19 – but with the platform and base he has he can go as high as he wants.”
Bellingham continues to be linked with an England return, with the biggest Premier League clubs all reportedly showing interest in the former Birmingham youngster.
Liverpool are one of those potential suitors and while he wouldn’t buy into the speculation, Henderson admits it would be “amazing”.
“Listen, I just want him to be the best player he can be,” he said.
“Obviously if it was Liverpool in the end that would be great. But it has to be the right thing for him and it will be every club you can think of that wants him.
“He has to think of himself and make sure he’s making the right decision for his career. But there’s going to be a happy club that gets it in the end, whether it’s now or in a year or two, it’s going to be a happy club.
The best videos every day
Check out the stories that matter right to your inbox
FootballEnglandHendersonPA
Source : www.newschainonline.com