Steven Gerrard scored 185 goals across 710 games for Liverpool (Picture: Getty)
Jamie Carragher has compared ‘freakishly good’ England star Jude Bellingham to Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard when he was aged 27.
Bellingham, considered one of the best young players in the world, has massively impressed for the Three Lions at the World Cup in Qatar.
The 19-year-old Borussia Dortmund midfielder has been linked with a big money move in the next summer transfer window – with many top European clubs thought to be interested in signing him – including Carragher’s old club Liverpool.
And Carragher has now compared Bellingham to his former team-mate Gerrard when he was at the peak of his powers at 27-years-old.
Gerrard, considered one of the best players in Liverpool’s history, had won the Champions League, UEFA Cup, two FA Cups and two League Cups by the time he turned 27.
‘We are watching the career of a freakishly good talent unfolding,’ Carragher told The Telegraph. ‘It is frightening how good Bellingham is.
‘If you were to build the prototype modern midfielder, he would be it.
‘He has the physique and athleticism of a 27-year-old Gerrard, and has all the attributes you want in a footballer – tackling, passing, assisting and scoring.
‘World Cups can turn great players into superstars. Bellingham’s potential has been recognised for a few years, so his emergence in the England team is no surprise.
‘The level-headedness was apparent when he decided to leave English football for Germany – a brave move when he was only 17.
‘To have captained the second biggest Bundesliga side, Borussia Dortmund, aged 19 further showed maturity beyond his years.
‘After Italia ’90, Gazza became the most important player in the England squad. [Michael] Owen was the same after his goal against Argentina, the striker everyone hoped would fire the Golden Generation to glory.
‘[Wayne] Rooney had the capacity to propel England forward from the moment he made his debut as a teenager.
‘Now the same is true of Bellingham. Whatever happens against France, or beyond if England get through, his performances have defined those of [Gareth] Southgate’s team.
‘It will not just be England supporters purring at the prospect of seeing where his career takes him.
‘Bellingham is not only an England superstar now. He is three more wins from becoming a World Cup legend.’
MORE : Jordan Henderson’s brilliant response after fan tells Jude Bellingham to join Real Madrid
MORE : ‘I’ve seen some of the rubbish written about him’ – Jude Bellingham defends Liverpool star
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