'World class Bellingham can become as good as Messi'
Tom Weber
- Updated: 19 Oct 2023 17:23 BST
- 4 min read
Former Italy coach Arrigo Sacchi believes Jude Bellingham could become as good as Lionel Messi.
The England midfielder put in another standout performance as the Three Lions beat Italy 3-1 to qualify for Euro 2024 in Germany. It was the latest in a long list of incredible shifts put in by the 20-year-old Real Madrid star this term.
The €103 million man has hit like a bomb in Spain's capital, with local paper AS even branding the Spanish top flight 'La Liga de Bellingham' - the Bellingham League - at one point, such has been his impact. With 10 goals and three assists in his first 10 outings for Los Blancos, the youngster has broken several records and he has adequately replaced Karim Benzema despite playing in a more withdrawn role.
READ: Barcelona president Laporta breaks silence on Messi return
Bellingham has also impressed for England and the game against Italy was further proof that the former Borussia Dortmund can take a game by the scruff of the neck...like a certain Lionel Messi.
What did Sacchi say?
At least that is a comparison that former Italy and AC Milan boss Arrigo Sacchi made after the match. "He’s world-class," the 77-year-old told Gazzetta dello Sport. “He was dominant. Damn, he is so strong. He does everything!"
“He always plays for the team. Only Messi had impressed me so much at his age. Of course, Bellingham is different from Leo, but if he remains this humble he can retrace his steps because Bellingham is world-class.”
READ: 'I have to deliver' - Jude Bellingham makes Real Madrid admission after €103m summer move
Bellingham revealed after the Italy game that he envisions himself remaining in Madrid for another decade, if not longer. “I am loving football at the minute. My management at club and country are giving me freedom to play it how I see it."
“This is the club I want to be at for the next 10 to 15 years of my life. I am loving it there. Carlo [Ancelotti] basically said this position is where he sees me."
