Jobe Bellingham settling in as Dortmund prepare for City trip
Borussia Dortmund midfielder Jobe Bellingham is beginning to establish himself following an initial difficult period, prior to his comeback to England for the Wednesday encounter with Manchester City.
Jobe arrived at Dortmund during the summer at the age of 19 for an estimated 30.5 million euros ($35 million) from Sunderland, ranking among the highest fees in the clubs history.
Jobe stepped into the shoes of his brother Jude, who had transferred to the Westfalenstadion five years prior, at just 17.
Jude emerged as one of the most coveted talents at Dortmund and has since become a genuine global star after his 2023 switch to Real Madrid.
Although Jobe has come back to England for under-21s duties where he serves as captain, Wednesdays fixture marks his debut on home turf for his current team.
Similar to City, Dortmund occupy a position in the top eight, with two victories and a draw from their initial three Champions League outings.
Concerns
The younger Bellingham recognised that transferring to Dortmund would invite parallels with Jude, yet believed the club provided the ideal environment for his growth.
As at Sunderland, the younger Bellingham wears Jobe on his shirt instead of his surname, owing to his renowned sibling.
Upon reaching Dortmund, Jobe confessed during pre-season that thoughts of comparisons to his elder brother weighed on him.
It is inevitable to consider such matters. These concerns arise, particularly for someone as young as myself, he shared with journalists, further noting I am far from flawless. Such thoughts do occupy my mind.
With Judes achievements in black and yellow still vivid, Jobe required more time than anticipated to adapt in Germany.
A solid performance at the Club World Cup where Jobe featured in three starts, netting a goal and providing an assist, yet sat out the meeting with his brother due to a suspension from a yellow card was succeeded by tougher times as the campaign began.
Jobe was substituted at the interval in his debut Bundesliga appearance. His father and representative Mark approached Dortmunds sporting director Sebastian Kehl in the tunnel post-match.
The episode prompted Dortmund to state publicly that the active zone remains exclusively for players, coaches, and staff, excluding relatives and agents.
Jobe opened the subsequent league game but soon found himself on the substitutes bench, gaining only late substitute appearances without contributing goals or assists in those short spells.
In mid-October versus Bayern Munich, Jobe committed a notable mistake by not clearing the ball from the goal line, enabling Michael Olise to net the decisive goal.
This mishap appeared to ignite the midfielder nonetheless.
Just three days on, Jobe featured from the start in the Champions League versus Copenhagen, delivering two assists in a 4-2 victory.
On Tuesday, Jobe contributed to setting up Dortmunds leveller in a German Cup match against Eintracht Frankfurt, which they secured via penalties.
And this past Friday, the 20-year-old threw himself into action to deny a potential leveller in the closing moments of a tight 1-0 triumph at Augsburg.
A source from Dortmund informed German outlet Bild on Monday that Jobe is poised to feature in the starting lineup against City.
Plenty of talent
Even as discussions intensified surrounding Jobe potentially amplified within the Bellingham household Dortmund view his progress as on track, if not surpassing expectations.
Commenting after Fridays game, Dortmund manager Niko Kovac lauded the midfielder.
His attributes were evident in our recent fixture against Frankfurt. He is engaged. He possesses presence and strength.
I hold no worries, quite the opposite, I am aware of his capabilities.
We are developing him gradually, and it is progressing quicker than I anticipated, given the young mans substantial talent.
Dortmund shot-stopper Gregor Kobel supported his managers sentiments, stating Jobe is performing well, showing promise in recent matches.
He improves consistently each week exceptional.