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'A Freakishly Good Talent' - Carragher Draws Gerrard Comparison As He Lauds Bellingham's Performance For England At The 2022 World Cup

Jamie Carragher has heaped praise on England star Jude Bellingham, comparing him to former England and Liverpool team-mate Steven Gerrard.
  • Outstanding performance of Bellingham England in Qatar
  • Carragher compares attributes to Gerrard
  • Being labeled a "frightening" 19-year-old

WHAT HAPPENED?

A Freakishly Good TalentSource: gettyimages

Carragher has heaped praise on the 19-year-old following his stellar display during England's World Cup campaign. The former defender said Bellingham's talent was "terrible" and that he possessed all the qualities to become the greatest player in the world. He drew comparisons to former England stars who have shone in previous World Cups, though pointed out that Gerrard is his type of player.

WHAT THEY SAID: 

A Freakishly Good TalentSource: gettyimages

"We are watching the career of a freakishly good talent unfolding," Carragher said to 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. After Italia ’90, [Paul] Gazza [Gascgoine] 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."

THE BIGGER PICTURE:

A Freakishly Good TalentSource: gettyimages

The praise for Carragher is not unfounded, as Bellingham is arguably Gareth Southgate's standout player in Qatar. Aside from the defeat in a game against the USMNT where almost every English player underperformed, Bellingham shone in midfield, where he was given the freedom to shine, producing performances far beyond just that. goals and assists he has scored so far in Qatar.

DO YOU KNOW?

19 years and 158 days, Bellingham became the youngest player to assist in a World Cup match for England (since 1966) in their round of 16 win over Senegal.

WHAT NEXT FOR BELLINGHAM?

The 19-year-old is likely to feature in the blockbuster quarter-final against defending champions France on Saturday.
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