LAST week both Lionel Messi and Jude Bellingham were honoured at the Ballon d’Or ceremony in Paris.
Messi picked up his record eighth Ballon d’Or and Bellingham was awarded the Kopa trophy for the best young player.
Former Chelsea star Joe Cole thinks that the pair have much more in common than simply being honoured on the same night.
The ex-England international has given a glowing review of Bellingham and suggested that there are things he does that remind him of the global superstar.
Cole spoke to the Express about Bellingham’s incredible ability and he pointed out one moment during the England vs Italy game last month that made him draw a comparison to Messi.
He said: “Jude’s the perfect physical specimen to be a footballer, but mentally he’s learned all the lessons, he’s ticked every box, and technically he’s elite as well.
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“I saw it in the Italy game when we went 1-0 down and you sensed the crowd was starting to turn. It is when you see teams disappear in stadiums.
“But Jude went on a press and it lifted the whole crowd. Then he played a through-ball and it lifted the crowd again.
“That is why I compared him to Messi. Only a small number of players can do that and I don’t know how he has learned that at the age that he has.”
He went on to say:“It is something you have to feel and a lot of players don’t get it. He is just a leader.
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“Then on the flip side of that, he will deal with the pressure because, when I look at him, he is unfazed. I am comfortable comparing him to players like Messi because I know it won’t go to his head. We are so lucky to have him.”
Bellingham is on fire at Real Madrid and is now considered as one of the highest rated talents in world football.
Since leaving Borussia Dortmund for the Bernabeu this summer the 20-year-old has scored an unfathomable 13 goals and registered three assists in just 14 appearances.
His incredible record since arriving in Spain isn’t going unnoticed either with the Birmingham lad winning two La Liga Player of the Month awards already this term.
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