Jude Bellingham

[IrishBlueSince92]

Leverkusen are on the brink of an invincible treble. Florian Wirtz is the best player to emerge for decades in a sensational team. He should win the Ballon D’or.

Agree, but no chance. It doesn't actually go on who has had the best year out of all the footballers in the world. You have to be of a certain profile.

 

[mexico1970]

Yeah, i would/ve expected him to be having a bit of a laugh and joke with the opposition players at the very least. Maybe throw in a comedy haircut as well....

Maybe a small grin or a wink at the camera would have sufficed.

 

[SebastianBlue]

Last night he looked angry and sulky.

How he thinks he looks on the pitch:

How he actually looks:

 

[Cellarite]

Yes. It really isn’t as far fetched as you think. Players are aware of the relative levels of protection they’ll receive at different clubs and different leagues. If the players aren’t, their agents definitely are.

And, anyway, protection from officials was just one aspect of favouritism and deference that Real Madrid receives and which is attractive to players.

Have you considered for a moment that he signed for Madrid because they’re a far bigger football club than us?

 

[RayCTID]

More ego than talent at the minute

 

[SebastianBlue]

Have you considered for a moment that he signed for Madrid because they’re a far bigger football club than us?

I have considered that Real Madrid made the case they are still a far bigger football club than us, and he may have bought in to that narrative, yes.

I am half-Spanish, and am very familiar with the draw of Real Madrid and La Liga (for better and—mostly—worse).

Have you considered for a moment that Bellingham may have also not fancied the very different conditions and demands of the Premier League or playing at City, particularly under Pep?

 

[Middedon]

I do find EPL fans tend to mythicize non-EPL players, similarly downplaying players currently in the EPL, for some reason. Maybe familiarity breeds doubt, IDK.

I agree with this all, but especially this piece. Maybe people are only watching the highlights and don’t see all the “ugly bits” that happen outside that. We mythicize La Liga, farm the Bundesliga (and assume their players aren’t good enough to stay there), and kind of ignore Serie A (send them our retirees).

He did start the season on fire, but he’s cooled and if our players did that we’d be hearing it till no end.

 

[Middedon]

I also keep thinking of Josko (I know, I know…not the same skills or position or level of talent) as they were both young, $$$ players linked with both clubs. Now, I can’t imagine either at the other club. Joskos cold Croatian heart and humility would seem misplaced in Madrid. And Jude seems like he relishes the sun and the stage. And maybe it’s good, each found the place that fit them the best.

 

[Crooked_rain]

Leverkusen are on the brink of an invincible treble. Florian Wirtz is the best player to emerge for decades in a sensational team. He should win the Ballon D’or.

A treble, not THE treble.

If Real Madrid win the champions league and La Liga, it's going to be held in higher regard in these popularity contest awards than an unbeaten treble season which contains the UEFA cup

 

[carlosthejackal]

At least Nevin sees him for what he is