Roy Keane believes Jude Bellingham’s growing influence without the ball is raising the standards around him.
Bellingham delivered another outstanding performance as England cruised to a 7-0 victory over Croatia in Rijeka. The Real Madrid midfielder scored once and provided three assists during a dominant display.
Keane particularly praised Bellingham’s attitude and work rate. He believes the midfielder offers England much more than his work in possession.
More to come
“There’s still a lot more to come from [Bellingham],” Keane said on ITV.
“Bellingham can go on to become one of the greatest players of all time.”
The former Manchester United midfielder has regularly praised Bellingham’s quality with the ball.
However, Keane now sees another important part of his development. The midfielder’s work without possession has added a new dimension to his game.
“His attitude for England recently… I have been praising him for being fantastic in possession, but what he is doing out of possession, that lifts all these players,” Keane said.
Bellingham’s defensive contribution gives England another valuable option. He can press opponents, recover possession and support his teammates.
Those qualities can also influence the players around him.
A star and a team player
Bellingham’s willingness to work without the ball has become an important part of his role under Thomas Tuchel.
Keane believes that effort can inspire the rest of the England squad.
“If you have a player who is that good in your team, who is amazing in possession and is playing for Real Madrid and doing brilliant things, but his work rate off the ball, that will inspire all the other players,” he added.
Bellingham also earned praise from England teammate Bukayo Saka.
Saka scored twice against Croatia. However, he felt Bellingham deserved the player-of-the-match award.
“He was amazing tonight to be fair,” Saka told ITV. “He deserved player of the year and he probably deserves man of the match tonight as well.
“He was special. Happy to play with him and happy to have him in the England team.”
The Croatia victory gives Bellingham another chance to build his influence with England.
He will now look to carry that form into England’s next Nations League fixture against Czechia at Wembley.
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