Jude reminds me of Spurs ace, says Dan
DAN Crowley started Birmingham City’s victory over Charlton on the opposite side of the field to Jude Bellingham – but still had a perfect view of Blues’ match winner.
Indeed, the 22-year-old, who returned to the team for the 1-0 win at The Valley, has the privilege of seeing the teenager in training every day.
But while most of us marvel at the technical ability and physical prowess, for Crowley it’s the 16-year-old’s personality that stands out just as much.
“He’s unbelievable, I can’t speak highly enough about Jude as a lad,” he said after Bellingham struck his second winner is many Championship matches.
“As a player he has got everything. It’s really great to play with him and so exciting to see what he can be like in the future.
“He’s massively mature and grounded, he scored last week and then went away with England and got Player of the Tournament.
“Now he is back and smashing training again in the week. He’s really hungry and that’s what you need as a young player.
“With the lads he’s around, who are going to help him, he has a great chance to go to the very top.
“I’ve been at Arsenal and seen what you have got to be like to play there. Jude’s got that chance. I used to play with and against Dele Alli and he reminds me of Dele.
“He’s smart and the fact he has so much to learn and playing like that it felt just like Dele.
“Dele progressed in the league and I think Jude can be up there.
“Dele is quite tall and so is Jude. Dele with the ball at his feet is really good. I’ve not seen a young lad who is so tall and big so good with his feet.”
Crowley knows what being a rising star is all about.
The Coventry-born attacker was making a big splash at Villa’s academy when in the summer of 2013 Arsenal came in for him.
Crowley moved to the Gunners but never made a first-team appearance, being loaned out before joining Willem II in the Eredivisie.
He knows of the pitfalls.
“Jude is really mature and really grounded so I don’t think that will be a problem,’’ he said.
“What was I like as a 16-yearold? A nightmare! That’s why I’ve had about six clubs.
“When you are young it is okay being good enough with a football, but I wasn’t mature enough off it.
“Football does not wait for anyone but Jude is just really mature.
“He’s not quiet but keeps himself to himself, you can just see he’s got a good head on his shoulders.”