We recently caught up with Bet9ja Ambassador and former Nigeria forward Victor Ikpeba to talk all things football, particularly Jude Bellingham’s rise to stardom as he continues to impress for Real Madrid.
Bellingham has arguably been the best player in Europe so far this season, contributing in all phases of the game at just 20 years old.
Here’s what Ikpeba had to say about the young phenom.
Bellingham has been in superb form this season. What do you think his ceiling is as a player?
VI: It is no secret that Jude Bellingham has been one of the best players in world football this season. He has everything – he scores goals, he creates goals and he provides energy at both ends of the pitch.
Very few players start this well for Real Madrid. The environment at that club is so pressurised, you cannot afford to start slowly especially with such a massive transfer fee attached to you.
The most remarkable thing about it is that he is just 20 years old and has his whole career in front of him – he could win multiple Ballon D’Ors if he leads Real Madrid to European glory and England to an international trophy.
What do you think his best position is?
VI: This is an interesting point of discussion – Bellingham played his best football before this season as a box-to-box midfielder with the license to get forward and score goals, but also help out defensively when necessary.
I have enjoyed watching him play in a more advanced position so far this season for Real Madrid behind the likes of Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo. When you have that ability to get in the right position at the right time in the box, it makes sense to get as close to the goal as possible.
For England he combined so well with Harry Kane recently against Italy from a slightly deeper position in midfield. I think as long as England have the option to play a more defensive player like Declan Rice behind him, they should let Bellingham roam free and get into dangerous positions.
This is a golden era of young talent for England and Real Madrid, and Bellingham could be the main man in both teams. The sky is the limit for him!
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