Jude Bellingham has been in impressive goal-scoring form for Real Madrid, leading Gary Lineker to envision the versatile 20-year-old taking on a striker role in the future.
Bellingham’s reputation has primarily been built as a midfielder, where he has showcased his work ethic, passing ability, and knack for finding the back of the net while playing in a deep-lying position.
However, he has also displayed his creativity when deployed as a No. 10, and there are suggestions he could move even further up the field in the coming years.
With 11 goals in 12 appearances for Real Madrid in all competitions this season, Bellingham is making a strong case to be utilised as a forward.
The Liga giants have occasionally employed him as a ‘false nine,’ and Lineker believes the immensely talented young player can excel in any role he is assigned.
Ex-England striker Lineker has told The Sun ahead of seeing his former club Barcelona take on Bellingham and Madrid in El Clasico on Saturday: “The way he has started at Real gives Gareth Southgate a great option.
“If something happens to Harry Kane, or after he is finished because Harry is now 30, Jude could play at centre-forward, as a false nine, if you like.
“He is now scoring poacher’s goals. He’s even doing the ‘easy’ bits that I used to do! He has been playing as a No. 10 for England in his last few games. He can play in a deeper role as a No. 8; he is probably the most complete English footballer I’ve ever seen and he’s only 20. No one knows what Jude’s best position is because he is so good in several roles but I could see him playing up front for England.”
Bellingham, with 27 international caps for the England national team, has managed to score just two goals for his country. As England starts preparing for another opportunity to compete for a major championship next summer at Euro 2024, he will likely aim to increase his goal-scoring record.