Former Liverpool and Bayern Munich star Didi Hamann has poured cold water on the hype surrounding Jude Bellingham, saying he doesn’t consider the young Englishman a world-class footballer yet, according to Sportskeeda.
Bellingham has been making waves in the football world with his impressive performances for Real Madrid and England, leading to talks of a potential Ballon d’Or win in the future. However, Hamann remains unconvinced.
“Many are talking about the Ballon d’Or, but I don’t see him as a world footballer at the moment,” Hamann wrote in his column for Sky Germany.
Hamann believes Bellingham needs to consistently perform at a high level before he can be considered among the best in the world. “He was hyped after his first six months in Madrid, but he has only performed averagely for Real since Christmas,” Hamann said.
Despite Bellingham’s crucial equalizer against Slovakia in the Euros, Hamann thinks he should be dropped from England’s starting lineup in favor of Phil Foden. “Between Phil Foden and Jude Bellingham, only one can play, and for me, that would be Foden,” Hamann said.
Hamann’s comments may be seen as harsh, but they highlight the high expectations surrounding Bellingham. While the young midfielder has shown immense talent and potential, he still needs to prove himself consistently on the biggest stage.
For now, Bellingham remains a key player for England, and his performances in the Euros will be crucial in determining his team’s fate. However, Hamann’s comments serve as a reminder that hype and potential are not enough – consistent excellence is what sets the true greats apart.