Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has heaped praise on Borussia Dortmund midfielder Jude Bellingham ahead of Tuesday's Champions League clash in Germany.
The 19-year-old has elevated his game to new heights since joining BVB from boyhood club Birmingham City in 2020, recording 18 goals and 20 assists in 107 appearances across all competitions.
Indeed, Bellingham's form in front of goal has improved in 2022-23, with the England international netting eight times in 17 games so far this term, including four strikes in his first four Champions League Group G matches.
The teenager has also established himself as a leader within the Dortmund camp, captaining the first team in both the Bundesliga and Champions League this season.
Bellingham is set to become one of the most sought-after midfielders in Europe when the transfer window re-opens next year, with Man City allegedly set to battle Premier League rivals Manchester United, Liverpool and Chelsea as well as Spanish giants Real Madrid for his signature.
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Ahead of City's Champions League clash at Westfalenstadion on Tuesday, Guardiola has talked up Bellingham's qualities and he believes that the Englishman made the right decision to join Dortmund, where he is playing regularly in the first team.
"I think Dortmund is a perfect place for young talented players to come," Guardiola told reporters at a press conference on Monday evening.
"Maybe if Bellingham went to a top Premier League team he wouldn't get the minutes. The best way for a young player to get better is play minutes.
"At 17 he arrived, it's not just about his quality, he has a special mentality. He is already one of the captains of the team, to happen at 19 is quite impressive.
"It's not just about the goals, the whole package is really good. He's already playing for England at 19. We know the quality he has."
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Bellingham, who is under contract at BVB until June 2025, heads into Tuesday's game in fine form after netting a brace in the 5-0 Bundesliga home win over Stuttgart last weekend.
The midfielder also displayed his qualities in the reverse fixture against City last month, scoring the opening goal in a 2-1 defeat at the Etihad Stadium.
Goals from John Stones and former Dortmund striker Erling Braut Haaland ultimately helped turn the game on its head for the Citizens in the final 10 minutes.
City, who have already qualified for the last 16, currently sit at the summit of Group G, three points clear of Dortmund in second place, and only a draw against the German outfit is required for Guardiola's side to secure top spot.
The Citizens have won each of their last three meetings with Dortmund by a 2-1 scoreline, including their last trip to Westfalenstadion in April 2021 which saw Riyad Mahrez and Phil Foden both get on the scoresheet to help them progress to the Champions League semi-finals.
Oliver Thomas
