Jamie Carragher has claimed that reported Liverpool transfer target Jude Bellingham reminds him of Steven Gerrard.
The Reds are reportedly lining up a move for Bellingham in next summer’s transfer window. Before that can happen though, there’s the small matter of a World Cup to get through.
Bellingham is set to play a big part for England at the tournament. And looking ahead to Qatar 2022 for Sky Sports, Carragher assessed where the reported Liverpool target could play.
“He’s [Bellingham] a different type of player. He takes you back to more of a Steven Gerrard type of player, who is going to go froward and supplement the attack in terms of creating chances and scoring goals,” said the former Reds defender.
“I think what he makes you think about is England playing 4-3-3 a lot more than three at the back. Because when England play with a three they play two sitting midfield players and I don’t think that is he game, it feels like Declan Rice and one other.
“It feels to me like Bellingham is at that stage where he has to play. He’s more of an attacking midfield player than a central one.”
Liverpool to lean on Gerrard trump card?
It’s interesting to hear Carragher’s analysis on a player who is being tracked by half of the footballing elite.
Indeed, from watching Bellingham, it’s clear that there are certain traits that are similar to the Liverpool legend Gerrard. This likely isn’t a coincidence. The 19-year-old has previously spoken of his admiration for Gerrard.
It’s reasonable to suggest that Bellingham has modelled large parts of his game on the iconic Scouser.
Whether this will factor into his decision on choosing his next club is unknown at this point. Of course, Gerrard is no longer at the club and maybe can’t persuade the youngster effectively one way or another.
But now that he’s out of work, maybe it could be worth Stevie putting a call in to the Borussia Dortmund man.
It may be that this wouldn’t appeal to Gerrard, but perhaps Liverpool would be wise to stick their former captain on Jurgen Klopp’s staff. Anything that could get Bellingham to turn down the likes of Real Madrid to follow in Stevie’s footsteps is worth doing.
With others certain to rely on financial weight in order to snare the England man, Liverpool might have to get creative. In securing ‘the next Gerrard,’ they could have a trump card up their sleeve.
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