Jude Bellingham's Football Thinking

*England - France: 2pm on Sunday 11/12, on MetaSports.

I can't wait for the quarter-finals of the 2022 World Cup between France and England, because in my eyes, these are the two teams that own the two best young players of this tournament: Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham.

Bellingham has always been the star in all of England's matches from the beginning of the tournament so far. Sometimes he shines with goals, sometimes he shines with passes, and it must be said that the timing of Bellingham's attacks in the box is impeccable.

Bellingham is in high form and the baggage he brings to Qatar 2022 is the right confidence in a Borussia Dortmund shirt. We can all sense that Bellingham sees his potential as a top player in the world, and it's clear he wants to prove himself in the World Cup.

I hope the media will be gentle and careful with Bellingham, because we don't want to see a second Dele Alli. A few years ago, Dele Alli was expected, seen as a new leader in the club and national team, and then gradually declined. Bellingham's development needs to be protected, as he has a brilliant future ahead of him with England.

Only 19 years old, but Bellingham's spirit, focus and determination is truly extraordinary. When I was playing, I almost only saw that bravery in South American players, Javier Mascherano being a typical example. And now, I see the same thing in Gavi of Spain. More English players are needed to study Bellingham.

The image that impressed me most from England's game against Senegal was the moment Bellingham waited to celebrate with Jordan Henderson, after his own pass turned into an assist in the opening goal. That is simply gorgeous!

Bellingham's thinking and passing are truly amazing. You can see that from the way he opened up England's second goal against Senegal. Bellingham showed a thirst for the second ball, then continued to show strength while moving at high speed when another opponent's defender tried to play bad.

If you look at the whole process of this quick counter-attack, you will see that Bellingham used Harry Kane as a protective shield to pull the ball forward. At first, things weren't quite clear, but as the ball progressed near the midfield line, Bellingham began to see more clearly what was in front of him.

When a player decides to pass a pass in this situation, he will always look to see where his team's numbers are overwhelming compared to the opponent's.

Bellingham was smart enough to notice that Phil Foden was moving left, and Kane was moving left to right. There are two Senegalese players trying to close in from Bellingham's right, and in that moment, the clever players will change body direction and find a way to launch a pass into the crowded area of ​​​​the team.

Perhaps 50% of the players in this situation will make a simple pass to Kane, but it is the pass to Foden that really opens the door. Bellingham tried to get the ball to his left foot, because he knew well that the left side was where England's numbers were overwhelming. Kane changed the track because of Foden's movement, thereby opening two options for Bellingham.

If Bellingham holds the ball on his right foot, the last Senegal defender can catch the pass for Kane. But by pushing the ball to his left foot, Bellingham forced the Senegal player into a state of hesitation, as he could not ignore Foden. It was a one-on-two defense, or simply impossible to defend.

I used to play central defender when I was at Barcelona and we were always on top, controlling the ball. But if the opponent makes quick counter-attacks and has a midfielder who can pass the ball well with both feet, the situation will be much more difficult to control than a midfielder who can only pass the ball with his dominant foot. .

In both England's counter-attack, we need to applaud Bellingham and the movement around him. Foden decided not to run inside and Kane tried to distract the defender's attention. Kane used his left foot to show Foden that he would receive the ball. Kane knows he can keep running forward without fear of being offside, as he is not level with Senegal's last defender.

If you look at the whole process of this quick counter-attack, you will see that Bellingham used Harry Kane as a protective shield to pull the ball forward. At first, things weren't quite clear, but as the ball progressed near the midfield line, Bellingham began to see more clearly what was in front of him.

When a player decides to pass a pass in this situation, he will always look to see where his team's numbers are overwhelming compared to the opponent's.

Bellingham was smart enough to notice that Phil Foden was moving left, and Kane was moving left to right. There are two Senegalese players trying to close in from Bellingham's right, and in that moment, the clever players will change body direction and find a way to launch a pass into the crowded area of ​​​​the team.

Perhaps 50% of the players in this situation will make a simple pass to Kane, but it is the pass to Foden that really opens the door. Bellingham tried to get the ball to his left foot, because he knew well that the left side was where England's numbers were overwhelming. Kane changed the track because of Foden's movement, thereby opening two options for Bellingham.

If Bellingham holds the ball on his right foot, the last Senegal defender can catch the pass for Kane. But by pushing the ball to his left foot, Bellingham forced the Senegal player into a state of hesitation, as he could not ignore Foden. It was a one-on-two defense, or simply impossible to defend.

I used to play central defender when I was at Barcelona and we were always on top, controlling the ball. But if the opponent makes quick counter-attacks and has a midfielder who can pass the ball well with both feet, the situation will be much more difficult to control than a midfielder who can only pass the ball with his dominant foot. .

In both England's counter-attack, we need to applaud Bellingham and the movement around him. Foden decided not to run inside and Kane tried to distract the defender's attention. Kane used his left foot to show Foden that he would receive the ball. Kane knows he can keep running forward without fear of being offside, as he is not level with Senegal's last defender.

Foden with a single touch opened the space and gave Kane the opportunity to take control, block the ball before finishing, instead of making a deep pass in front of Kane and then Edouard Mendy would have a chance. cut off the tape.

I can watch this situation over and over again without getting bored, because it's a prime example of a perfect counter-attack.

Bellingham is not only dangerous with the ball at his feet. He also understands that moving without the ball is sometimes more important than running with the ball. When you have the ball, everyone's attention is on you, but sneaking moves behind the opponent's back, tireless runs can distract defenders and open the door. space puts teammates in a favorable position.

There are too many people who don't understand how the Barcelona team I played for. They only talk about the so-called tiki-taka, but not just tiki-taka. Those are also situations that move in depth, behind the opponent. Those moves were impressive, with perfect timing and showing teamwork. Moves open spaces, that's football.

Bellingham's goal against Iran showed his free-to-play moves to open up space.

At the beginning of that situation, Bellingham performed a high-damage move. You can see the gap, when Iran's defense has stopped and Bellingham's run is very smart. If the ball was passed deep into the back of the Iranian defense, he would not be in an offside position.

But Bellingham didn't stop there. He continued to back away. Harry Maguire can make a straight cross to Mason Mount's position, then England will have 3 players facing 2 Iranian defenders.

The ball was passed to the left and the Iranian defense lost the contact it needed, but it was Bellingham who put himself in the right position at the right time. Even if the cross goes low, the Iranian defender will have problems.

That goal reminded me of Gerrard, Lampard or Scholes; perhaps Scholes would be more correct – they are all great players who can sniff out scoring opportunities, see the gaps between the opposition defences, and break in. Paying attention to the strikers is done, the defenders now have to worry about such types of players. They'll have to keep an eye on Bellingham, as his second-line attacking moves are clever.

In the past, we have seen England have long-range midfielders like Lampard or Gerrard. Now, we see players like Bellingham with differences in physical characteristics and in technical terms, they are close to the best players in other big football backgrounds. Bellingham is a visionary and intelligent player. It's not easy to get that kind of perspective in a fast-paced game.

When I watch how he moves to open space for his teammates, or when he has the ball at his feet, Bellingham doesn't look like a 19-year-old player at all. He looks like a player who has been playing at the top for a long time. At this point, we have to thank Birmingham and Dortmund for developing him. Dortmund is really good at training and developing players.

France will be a tough test for England. They are the top team, the defending World Cup champions and very well organised. It is very difficult to break the 4-4-2 structure of the French team. They have quality individuals and this team is just too strong. They've been together for 6, 7 years and have a steady, seamless flow through.

Mbappe is in great form, but so is Bellingham. It will certainly be a confrontation worth waiting for, as these are all types of players who can open the game. Bellingham's runs will be especially important, England will also need their other special talents such as Foden or Bukayo Saka to appear and shine, and experienced players will need to take the role of mentors. lead.

This match will decide whether England have the right to believe in their ability to win the World Cup. I want Bellingham to go far in this tournament, because I'm really impressed with him. Bellingham is going to be one of the best midfielders in the world and he's showing his talent.

Bellingham will reveal much more, I'm 100% sure!