I Played with Jude Bellingham at Birmingham City – I Never Thought This Would Happen

I Played with Jude Bellingham at Birmingham City – I Never Thought This Would Happen

By Harlee Dean

When I first met Jude Bellingham at Birmingham City, he was just a 16-year-old kid with an infectious enthusiasm for football. But even then, there was something special about him – his maturity, his work ethic, and the way he handled himself on and off the pitch. To see where he is now, dominating at Real Madrid and shining on the global stage, is something I never imagined back then.

 

I remember the first time I trained with Jude. Despite being a teenager, he played with a confidence and composure that belied his age. You could tell he had talent, but talent alone doesn’t guarantee success. What set Jude apart was his attitude. He wasn’t just there to make up the numbers or settle for being a promising youngster – he wanted to be the best.

 

Even at that young age, Jude was fearless. I recall him going into challenges against senior players without hesitation, proving he wasn’t intimidated by experience or reputation. His technical ability was superb, but what impressed me most was his intelligence on the pitch. He read the game so well, adapting to situations like someone with years of experience.

 

Off the pitch, Jude was humble and grounded. He didn’t let the hype surrounding him go to his head. You’d often see him putting in extra work after training, whether it was fine-tuning his passing or working on his fitness. He listened to advice, asked questions, and constantly sought ways to improve.

 

When he broke into Birmingham City’s first team, he became the youngest-ever player to feature for the club at just 16 years and 38 days old. Even then, he didn’t look out of place. His performances were mature beyond his years, and it quickly became clear he was destined for bigger things.

 

I’ll be honest, though – while I knew he had the potential to play at a high level, I never thought he’d achieve what he has in such a short space of time. To see him now wearing the iconic white of Real Madrid, scoring goals, and bossing games in La Liga and the Champions League is surreal. It’s not just about his ability; it’s the way he carries himself with the same humility and hunger that I saw back in Birmingham.

 

What’s even more impressive is how he’s become a leader at such a young age. Whether it’s captaining England or stepping up in clutch moments for his club, Jude has proven he’s not just a great player but also a role model.

 

Watching him now, I often think back to our days together at Birmingham. It’s a proud feeling to know I played alongside him, even if it was for a short time. Jude’s success is a testament to what hard work, determination, and the right mindset can achieve.

 

For any young players coming through, Jude is the perfect example of how to approach the game. He’s proof that talent can only take you so far – it’s the extra work and the right attitude that truly set you apart.

 

Looking back, I might not have expected all of this to happen, but knowing Jude, I’m not surprised he’s reached the very top. And I’ve no doubt he’ll stay there for years to come.

 

Harlee Dean is a professional footballer who played alongside Jude Bellingham at Birmingham City.

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