"It's a bit surreal": Bellingham lets it rip at BVB

He's only been with the team for a few days, but he's already raising high hopes: Jobe Bellingham celebrates an impressive debut in the starting eleven for Borussia Dortmund at the Club World Cup. Coach Niko Kovac has high praise, including for Bellingham's teammate.

Starting debut, goalscorer, player of the match: Things could have gone worse for Jobe Bellingham this Saturday in sweltering Cincinnati. "It's a bit surreal, I'm very happy," said the Borussia Dortmund player after the turbulent 4-3 (3-1) victory against Mamelodi Sundowns in the second group match of the Club World Cup in the USA.

The younger brother of Jude Bellingham, who became a star at Borussia Dortmund and now plays for Real Madrid, carries Dortmund's hopes. The 19-year-old joined Borussia Dortmund from AFC Sunderland for €35 million and is sporting director Lars Ricken's signature signing. He came on as a substitute in the rather poor 0-0 opening match against Fluminense, but this time Bellingham started. Given the short time available, it's clear that he hasn't yet fully embraced Borussia Dortmund's style of play, said coach Niko Kovac.

"I tried to guide him. But that doesn't always work," said Kovac, who then praised the new signing effusively: "He has a physical presence, robustness, a feel for the situation. I'm very pleased, and not just because he scored the goal." Bellingham had made it 3-1 before halftime, with Felix Nmecha among others scoring earlier. "You could see that we have quality on the pitch and that these guys are the future of this club," said Kovac: "I'm pleased that both of them scored."

"It's summer, so it's hot"

On June 10, Bellingham signed a contract until 2030. A long-term commitment from the young Englishman, who follows in his brother Jude's footsteps at BVB. Borussia seems to be a good place for the Bellinghams. However, Bellingham Jr. had to be convinced first. On DAZN, Jobe, two years younger than him, clearly admitted his thoughts before joining BVB: "I was mentally reluctant to join Dortmund!"

The reason: "Simply out of fear of not going my own way." But Bellingham didn't want to let these fears stop him from "making the right decision," he said. And that decision was, after all, a move to the same club where his brother had also played. "If going to Dortmund is the right path, why not? It has been for so many top players, not just me and my brother."

"Dortmund fought for a long time and convinced me. And as my family always says: Follow your heart. I had a lot of time to think about it. In the end, I listened to my head and my heart."