Former Liverpool transfer target Jude Bellingham is quite possibly the best player on the planet at the moment.
Since turning down Liverpool to sign for Real Madrid last summer, the 20-year-old has taken his game up a level. Having scored 20 goals already for Los Blancos, he’s now a modern day footballing superstar.
That may well sting for Reds supporters, who had long hoped that Bellingham would move to Anfield. Click here to read everything we’ve ever written about Liverpool’s long pursuit of the former Birmingham City youngster. It’s a lot.
Jurgen Klopp even recently spoke publicly about his desire to sign Bellingham last year. That isn’t something Klopp usually does, but the England international is simply that special.
And given the way Bellingham has now spoken about one former Liverpool player, it’s easy to see where he takes inspiration from.
What has Jude Bellingham said
Part of the reason Liverpool fans had been hopeful of securing Bellingham last year is because of his previous comments about the club.
Well, actually, it isn’t so much what Jude said about Liverpool themselves as the praise he’s lavished on Reds icon Steven Gerrard.
Bellingham has previously lauded Gerrard as being one of his true footballing heroes. It seemed perfect that he could come to Anfield and take on Stevie’s old No.8 shirt.
Obviously, that didn’t end up happening. But it doesn’t take away from the fact that the Real Madrid midfielder simply loves Gerrard.
So, when asked to name the players he looked up to as a youngster by Sky Sports today, it felt inevitable that Bellingham would mention the former Liverpool captain.
“The English ones were always Rooney and Gerrard,” he said. “I love the way they play. I love how they play on the edge. So aggressive and so skilful as well, so I’d say those two.”
What else has Jude Bellingham said about Steven Gerrard
Forget Rooney, Bellingham has previously named Gerrard as being his ultimate idol in footballing terms. Speaking to BBC Sport ahead of the World Cup in 2022, Jude labelled the Scouser’s ability as being a ‘joke.’
“Gerrard was probably my biggest one [idol],” he said. “The character he has besides football is world-class, and then you add on his ability – it’s a joke.”
When Stevie also spoke well of Bellingham before his big move last year, it added to the feeling that a Liverpool move was the young star’s destiny. It wasn’t to be, though.
Nevertheless, Bellingham is still only 20. He has a long career ahead of him yet. Who’s to say he won’t end up following in his idols footsteps one day.