Former England and Leicester City striker Gary Lineker has likened Borussia Dortmund midfielder Jude Bellingham to former Manchester United captain Bryan Robson amid ongoing links connecting him with a move to Old Trafford.
Lineker made the admission after watching Bellingham net his second Champions League goal of the season against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday evening. The England international headed Dortmund into the lead, but saw his heroics undone late on, courtesy of goals from John Stones and Erling Haaland, who secured a 2-1 win for the hosts.
Dortmund, despite being the underdogs, threatened to produce a professional away performance that so nearly earned them at least a point. Bellingham was at the very heart of the performance, producing a commanding showing in the centre of midfield.
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The youngster, who has been included in the England squad for the upcoming Nations League fixtures against Italy and Germany later this month, has gone from strength-to-strength over the last two years, ever since joining Dortmund from Birmingham City in June 2020. Prior to his move to Germany, he visited United's Carrington training ground in March of that same year, with United keen to secure his signature.
Despite falling short in their efforts, they have remained linked with his signature ever since - and it is easy to understand why. And for Match of the Day host Lineker, he believes the 19-year-old, who will be hoping to star for England at the World Cup in just over two months time, resembles some of the qualities shared by Robson many years ago.
Taking to his Twitter page, Lineker said: "I'll be very surprised if @BellinghamJude doesn't play a big part in @England's World Cup campaign. Got a bit of Bryan Robson about him."
Although Bellingham's focus will soon switch to matters on the international stage, his future at club level remains a hot topic. He is widely expected to leave Dortmund as soon as next summer and United and Liverpool are among the clubs being most heavily linked with his signature.
Since joining Dortmund just over two years ago, the former Birmingham man has racked up 99 appearances, scoring 13 goals and grabbing 18 assists. He has netted three goals in his first nine outings in all competitions this season.
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