Alexander-Arnold and Aaron Ramsey react to Jobe Bellingham’s ‘unbelievable’ message
Jobe Bellingham made his mark for Borussia Dortmund in an “unbelievable” Club World Cup clash against Mamelodi Sundowns.
Dortmund were held to a 0-0 draw by Fluminense in their first match of FIFA’s revamped tournament, but responded in one of the most end-to-end Club World Cup matches so far against the South African side.
The Black-Yellows hit back from 1-0 down in the 11th minute to equalise through Lukas Nmecha, before goals from both the exit-linked Serhou Guirassy and Bellingham right on half-time resulted in a 3-1 lead.
All three second-half goals came via the Sundowns as they scored an own goal to put the result beyond doubt, and a late flourish in the last half-hour couldn’t prevent Dortmund going to the top of Group F.
Bellingham reacts to debut Dormund goal at Club World Cup
Bellingham’s full debut for Dortmund came in their opener against Fluminense, but he started from the off against Mamelodi in an advanced midfield role in support of Guirassy and Julian Brandt up front.
The 19-year-old’s £27million move from Sunderland this summer has seen him follow a similar path to elder brother Jude Bellingham, who congratulated Jobe after his first start and goal in Dortmund colours.
After his half-volley on the stroke of half-time to put the Black-Yellows 3-1 up, Jobe Bellingham posted a message on Instagram (21 June) which read: “First start and first goal for this unbelievable club!
“As well as the first win of our FIFA Club World Cup campaign. Thank you for the support, Borussen.”
Jude Bellingham’s Real Madrid team-mate Trent Alexander-Arnold and Burnley midfielder Aaron Ramsey both liked the post, while the latter also left a comment to say; “The start”.
Sunderland set for transfer spree after Bellingham exit
Football Insider Verdict
The Premier League is without both Alexander-Arnold and Bellingham next term after their respective departures from Liverpool and Sunderland respectively, the latter after their play-off final victory.
Bellingham was urged by some pundits to stay the course at the Stadium of Light and test himself in the Premier League, but took a leaf out of his brother’s book after Jude’s rapid development at Dortmund.
Sunderland’s big-money sale does weaken Regis Le Bris’ side at face value, but Bellingham’s departure could open the door for the Black Cats to spend north of £200million in their bid to stay in the Premier League after eight years away.