Jude Bellingham has matured into a leader at Borussia Dortmund. However, the youngster always causes a stir with his behavior on and off the pitch. Is Bellingham becoming a problem for BVB?
At just 18, Jude Bellingham has long since become indispensable for Borussia Dortmund.
In the current season, the central midfielder has already completed 34 competitive games. In the extremely inconsistent BVB team, Bellingham is usually one of the best players.
Bellingham’s sporting demeanor has earned him a high standing in Dortmund. When disciplined by his (mostly much older) teammates, the runner-up European champion from 2021 overshot the target time and time again.
Is Jude Bellingham annoying his BVB colleagues?
As part of the Europa League second leg at Rangers in Glasgow (2-2), Bellingham was negative. “You can’t play a damn pass, you’re damn shit! Every damn time!” Bellingham scolded his ten-year-old Nico Schulz, according to an analysis of lip readers, because he played a pass too imprecisely.
A few days later, the BVB youngster apparently clashed with veteran Axel Witsel. According to “Sport1”, the 33-year-old wanted to explain the correct pressing routes to Bellingham during the half-time break of the Bundesliga game against FC Augsburg (1: 1). But he allegedly just waved him off disrespectfully.
With his bold demeanor, Bellingham is “really annoying” for one or the other experienced BVB professional, the report said.
Marco Rose tried to put the negative headlines about his protégé into perspective. “Where Jude comes from, you might communicate a little harder in English. That’s part of it. Jude wants to win games, he’s angry – and that’s what makes him special and what we actually need more of,” he said Dortmund head coach.
Bellingham’s boorish behavior in parts could still become a problem for the team structure. Especially since the 18-year-old caused trouble in the first half of the season when he indirectly accused referee Felix Zwayer of partiality after the bankruptcy against FC Bayern (2: 3). A fine of 40,000 euros by the DFB was the result.
Rumors about upheaval at BVB
Many in the team are said to wish for more respect and humility from Bellingham. Because there is really enough unrest at BVB these days.
Due to the disappointing sporting performance in the current season, there are increasing signs of a change in the summer. Up to eleven players should be considered exit candidates at BVB.
Despite his escapades, Bellingham himself is not one of them. According to “Bild”, he should not have considered the next career step until 2023. Then BVB will probably have up to 150 million euros as a transfer fee for the midfield jewel.
The liaison between Bellingham and BVB is in all likelihood only a temporary relationship. So that things don’t start to falter, Bellingham will have to take a step back from time to time within the team.
Jannik Kube