If you did not know any different, it looks like a concerted charm offensive, a pincer movement from two towering Anfield figures.
First up, Steven Gerrard lavishes praise on Jude Bellingham in a live TV interview after England’s win over Ukraine at Wembley. And now, Jordan Henderson has picked up the baton, saying he finds it hard to believe the Borussia Dortmund midfielder is only 19 years of age and claiming he has NEVER seen a teenager this talented.
It is an open secret Liverpool want to be on the front line of this summer’s inevitable battle for Bellingham and the cynical might suggest Gerrard and Henderson are trying to butter him up. But the obvious truth is that there is no-one in the game who is not blown away by Bellingham’s brilliance and maturity.
Henderson says: “His potential is through the roof. Honestly, I can’t believe his age, how mature he plays, how mature he is off the pitch, in the gym, training, everything, recovery day after the game. He is just dedicated to football.
“He is a really special player and I can't believe his mentality, how he applies himself to training and the games, everything. I’ve never seen it before so I'm pretty confident that he'll be a pretty good player for many years to come.”
And while Henderson says he can see similarities between himself and his England midfield running partner, he admits to not being at Bellingham’s level when he was still shy of his 20th birthday.
Should Jude Bellingham move to Liverpool? Have your say in the comments section below
The Liverpool captain explains: “Mentality-wise, we’re similar, in terms of dedicating my life, doing all the right things and trying to improve and be better every day. I can see that but he’s better than I was at that age for sure. He’s a lot better than me (at that age), that’s the difference.”
While Bellingham could stay at Dortmund for another year, there is a widespread expectation that several clubs will make seven-figure bids this summer. And Bellingham is known to have an affection for Liverpool, having idolised Gerrard.
“Listen, I just want him to be the best player he can be,” says Henderson. “Of course, if it ended up being (at) Liverpool, that would be amazing.
“But it’s got to be right for him, and it’s going to be every club you can think of that will want him. He has to think about himself and make sure he makes the right decision for his career.
“But there’s going to be one club that will end up getting him, whether that is now or in a year or two, and it will be a lucky club.”
If it is not Liverpool, Henderson can still look forward to playing alongside Bellingham at international level. The 32-year-old is showing no signs of slowing down, saying: “Yes, I try and help the younger lads as much as I can - I try to pass my experience on, of course. But I still feel as well that I’ve got a lot to offer myself.”
