This week we are again signing the spotlight on a teenage phenom from Borussia Dortmund. The folks at the Westfalenstadion have a knack for scouting and molding young talent. But rather than highlight the flashy attacking talents of Haaland, Sancho, Reyna or Moukoko, the focus today is on Jude Bellingham, the 17-year old prodigy from Birmingham City, who Jens Lehman recently compared to former Arsenal legend Patrick Viera.
Bellingham burst onto the scene in England’s tough-as-nails second-tier Championship, becoming the youngest player ever to feature for Birmingham City when he made his debut in August 2019. He was just 16 years and 38 days old. Bellingham would go on to establish himself as a mainstay with the Blues during the 2019-20 season, participating in over 30 matches and starting the majority of them. His return of four goals and two assists does not do justice to his impact. The lanky, all-action, box-to-box midfielder displayed the combative spirit of a young Steven Gerrard. That fearlessness and high energy style led Borussia Dortmund to cough up GBP 25 million for him.
At the Westfalenstadion, Bellingham has continued in a similar vein. As of writing this he has made 16 appearances for Borussia Dortmund as well 6 more in the Champions League. His performances have been so impressive that he was recently called up to receive his first England cap against the Republic of Ireland. And he’s only 17!
Given Bellingham is currently in his first season for Borussia Dortmund it is a great time to stock up on his rookie cards. From what we’ve seen in the market there are a handful of options:
- 2020-21 Topps Match Attax (keep a lookout for the Tyson Beck Fire Card)
- 2020-21 Topps Now UCL #2 (low PR)
- 2020-21 Topps Now Bundesliga #4 (highest PR)
- 2020 Topps UCL Summer Signings
- 2020 Topps Living #234 (A personal favorite with the purple and yellow contrast)
Good luck!