20-year-old Jude Bellingham‘s rapid ascension to the upper echelons of football at Real Madrid leaves many managers wondering where the next Jude could be coming from. Let’s take a look at football’s rising stars to determine who could be the next star like Jude Bellingham.
Jobe Bellingham
Scouts might not have to look too deeply to find the next Jude Bellingham. The easiest pick may be Jude’s younger brother, Jobe.
Like Jude, Jobe launched his professional career with Birmingham City before moving on to his next stint with Sunderland. The 18-year-old midfielder is as much a midfield boss as his older brother. Jude has scored four goals and provided an assist in 26 Championship matches this season.
Naturally, Real Madrid president Florentino Perez sent scouts to watch the youngster in action. While he not be having the same impactful season as Jude — who else in the world has 17 goals and 6 assists, anyway — Jobe, who’s built in the same vain and plays the same style as his sibling, is an obvious prospect to become the next Jude Bellingham.
Xavi Simons
Puma’s newest KING Xavi Simons is enjoying another fruitful season after his breakout year with PSV last term.
The 20-year-old attacking midfielder learned his trade at Barcelona‘s famous La Masia academy before he left Barcelona for greener pastures at PSG. The Parisians sent him on loan to RB Leipzig this season where’s scored 4 goals and notched 7 assists in 17 Bundesliga appearances.
In a twist of good fortune, the young Dutchman could be on his way back to Barcelona or try his shot at the Premier League with Arsenal. But it would be a shocker if PSG were not to bring him back, or least extend his time at Leipzig to raise Simons’ transfer value further.
Arthur Vermeeren
The trajectory of young, promising talents like Bellingham serves as a blueprint for players like Arthur Vermeeren. Like Jude, 18-year-old Vermeeren is proving his mettle for Royal Antwerp in the Belgian league.
The teenager plays more of a central midfield role for his club as Jude did for BVB, but could quickly make the transition to a more offensive role given his possession capabilities so far in advancing roles.
Not surprisingly, Vermeeren is on the radar for a £50M with add ons transfer to one of Europe’s top clubs including Manchester United.
Florian Wirtz
Five goals, seven assists. If anyone is closest to achieving the instant success Jude Bellingham has enjoyed in La Liga, it’s Florian Wirtz.
20-year-old Wirtz has 539 touches in the final third, just seven behind Bundesliga league leader Leroy Sane this season. In addition to superb ball control, the German attacking midfielder also employs excellent vision with seven assists to his name this season. Arsenal fans think Florian reminds them of a young Cesc Fabregas.
Jamal Musiala
Some think German attacking midfielder Jamal Musiala is already better than Jude Bellingham. It’s hard to disagree; perhaps the former could use a little PR campaign. 20-year-old Musiala has seven goals and three assists in 19 games this 23/24 season for the Bavarian giants.
Interestingly enough, Jamal Musiala and Jude once suited up for the England national team. But German-born Jamal since decided to lace them up for Die Mannschaft.
Which player would you take first?
Photos: IG/jobebellingham, xavisimons, flowirtz27
