What do great players do differently? It's a special meditation practice and a strict workout regimen for some. The best professionals show up daily and practice their mental and physical fundamentals. For 20-year-old Jude Bellingham, one key aspect of his pre-game routine is previewing the pitch before every match.
Jude will have already touched, walked, and sniffed the Allianz Arena pitch before the youngster kicks off against Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich in tonight's Champions League semi-finals. The practice helps him sense the grass and visualize his positioning.
“I like to visualize the game. See the field, the grass, my playing positions,” Bellingham said last October after a phenomenal start to his Los Blancos career. His hard work and talent continue to pay dividends.
“This way I feel calmer, I know where I am going to be on the field. It is something that I have been doing throughout my career and thanks to it I enter the matches without nerves and prepared for everything. They taught me this from a very young age and I continue to practice it.”
NBA legend Michael Jordan used to visualize himself making the team's key game-winning shot and his name etched on the trophy. The practice trained his mind and body for the moment his best was needed. Jude is following his own Jordan-esque frame of mind.
“This kid is 10 years ahead of his time,” said Glenn Hoddle for TNT Sports.
Tonight's match marks Bellingham's 32nd appearance in the Champions Leagueâonly Cesc Fabregas played as many matches before turning 21.
With 21 goals and 10 assists this season, a probable La Liga title, and a potential Champions League triumph on the line, Bellingham is the favorite to win the Ballon d'Or this season.
The boy is just built different.
Photo: x/centregoals, footballontnt
