Identifying the Next Jude Bellingham: Borussia Dortmund’s Search for a Dynamic Midfielder
For years, Borussia Dortmund have built a reputation as a standout club for nurturing young talent and propelling them onto the world stage. Their track record in developing players like Ousmane Dembélé, Jadon Sancho, and Erling Haaland—each leaving for huge transfer fees—highlights their strategic approach and expertise in talent management. The club’s most recent wonderkid, Jude Bellingham, has set a standard that’s difficult to match. As he leaves a massive void in Dortmund’s midfield, the pressing question becomes: Who can step up as the next leader and midfield dynamo for the Black & Yellows?
Jude Bellingham’s Tactical Impact and Versatility
Bellingham joined Borussia Dortmund at just 17 and quickly established himself as far more than just a promising youngster. By 19, he was captain, providing leadership, energy, and game intelligence well beyond his years. Operating mainly as a right-sided central midfielder, Bellingham shone as a classic box-to-box ‘number 8’, thriving in both 4-2-3-1 and 4-1-4-1 formations while partnered with a more defensive-minded teammate.
His tactical versatility allowed him to influence every phase of play. Offensively, he connected Dortmund’s signature quick-passing moves and repeatedly arrived at crucial moments to score. Defensively, his relentless pressing and calculated challenges made him a vital cog in Dortmund’s high-energy system. Bellingham’s ability to win possession, carry the ball forward, and contribute in front of goal made him irreplaceable. For instance, during the 2022-23 Bundesliga season, he scored 8 goals and delivered 4 assists across 31 appearances—improving his direct attacking output without sacrificing his midfield engine work. On the defensive side, he led all candidates in possession-adjusted sliding tackles and won 62% of his defensive duels, ranking among the top 7% of midfielders for combined blocked passes and shots.
With elite numbers in successful take-ons and touches inside the penalty area, Bellingham’s all-action approach is clear. Replacing such comprehensive influence is a tall order for Dortmund’s recruitment team.
Selection Criteria for Bellingham’s Successor
To identify a potential replacement, Dortmund focused on central midfielders worldwide who could deliver either Bellingham-like performances or showed exceptional potential. The main criteria included:
– Box-to-box mobility: Candidates needed the ability to cover ground both vertically and laterally.
– Versatility: Preference given to players who performed as number 8s, but also considered dynamic number 6s and advanced midfielders who dropped deep.
– Physical and tactical dynamism: Mobility, intelligence in space, and the willingness to contribute in attack and defense.
– High ceiling or proven output: While experience is valuable, Dortmund also sought players with potential to reach new heights at the club.
This screening process excluded those with glaring weaknesses in areas crucial to the role—Dortmund’s need for a balanced, energetic midfielder outweighs raw attacking or defending output alone. Although the likes of Daichi Kamada and Konrad Laimer possess top Bundesliga experience, younger talent was especially prioritized.
Candidates Excelling in Box-to-Box Play
A core function of Bellingham’s role was driving play from deep into the attacking third. The shortlist analyzed touch maps, distance covered, progressive carries, and duel-winning statistics to gauge box-to-box efficiency.
– **Khéphren Thuram (OGC Nice):** The 22-year-old Frenchman stands out for his speed, power, and comprehensive understanding of space. He contributes in build-up, defensive transitions, and is not shy to push forward in attack.
– **Azzedine Ounahi (Marseille):** Morocco’s star from the 2022 World Cup excels at progressive carries and take-ons, ranking among the top midfielders globally for progressing the ball into dangerous areas.
– **Kouadio Koné (Borussia Mönchengladbach):** Dynamic both as a 6 and an 8, his driving runs and confidence on the ball are notable, though his attacking figures lag slightly behind.
– **Joe Willock (Newcastle United):** Renowned for his late runs into the box and awareness, he would thrive in Dortmund’s pressing and possession-centric setup, even if a transfer seems unlikely given Newcastle’s ambitions.
Support candidates such as Jens Cajuste (Reims) have also demonstrated excellent dribble success rates and attacking duel wins—the Swedish international could be an ideal squad addition, mirroring Bellingham’s style, although he is still yet to prove himself as a regular starter at top level.
Defensive Prowess: Matching Bellingham’s Work Rate
Bellingham wasn’t just a creative spark—his ability to win the ball back and initiate transitions was as vital as his contributions with the ball.
– **Roméo Lavia (Southampton):** The Belgian youngster, operating as a 6, impressed with his ability to block passes and shots, ranking within the top 4% in his position.
– **Manuel Ugarte (Paris Saint-Germain):** Known for his interception rate, Ugarte frequently disrupts play with intelligent positioning and anticipation.
– **Khéphren Thuram:** Once again, Thuram features due to his balanced game, winning 60% of his defensive duels and 58% in the air, in addition to his attacking output.
– **Konrad Laimer (Bayern Munich):** Laimer’s box-to-box engine and timing in challenges make him an ideal “shuttler,” capable of providing the defensive resilience Dortmund require.
While some candidates, such as Azzedine Ounahi, provide less in terms of defensive contribution, the balance across the cohort remains focused on dual-threat players.
Attacking Contributions and Final Third Impact
Matching Bellingham’s attacking numbers is arguably the hardest aspect to replicate. His surge in goals and assists in recent seasons underlined his evolution into a true all-areas threat.
– **Orkun Kökcü (Benfica):** The Turkish midfielder is regarded for his goal involvements and creative output. At just 22, he contributed directly to 11 league goals for Lorient, evidencing a knack for unlocking defenses.
– **Carney Chukwuemeka (Chelsea):** Though used sparingly, the English midfielder’s forward passing and progressive play in limited minutes showcased his tremendous promise.
– **Daichi Kamada (Lazio):** Kamada is consistently among the Bundesliga’s best for expected goals and assists per 90, plus final-third passing, making him a versatile and reliable attacking talent.
While Joe Willock’s chance creation and late attacking runs bring another dimension, the mix of youth and creativity in Thuram, Kökcü, and Chukwuemeka align closest with Bellingham’s final third risk-taking and success.
Optimal Fits: Who Should Dortmund Target?
Considering all tactical, physical, and statistical aspects, no single candidate embeds Bellingham’s qualities perfectly. However, several stand out as realistic and impactful targets:
– **Khéphren Thuram:** Combining ball-progression, relentless work in both halves, and offensive promise, Thuram emerges as the most balanced choice. At 22, he is ready for a bigger platform and fits Dortmund’s tradition of maximising young potential.
– **Carney Chukwuemeka:** If Chelsea are open to a loan or transfer, Dortmund’s success with developing teenagers makes them an ideal destination for Chukwuemeka to unlock his box-to-box ability.
– **Jens Cajuste:** For a player in the closest statistical mold to Bellingham, Cajuste is another intriguing—but still developing—option.
– **Orkun Kökcü:** If Dortmund prioritizes creativity and attacking threat, Kökcü’s trajectory and production make him a worthy contender.
– **Joe Willock:** While perhaps out of reach, Willock’s experience and energy make him a perfect stylistic fit.
Conclusion: Urgency Meets Ambition in Dortmund’s Midfield Revamp
The challenge of replacing Jude Bellingham’s exceptional skill set underscores the unique talent pipeline at Borussia Dortmund. His legacy as a leader, creator, and defensive contributor is unmatched by any single available option. However, with several emerging midfielders in Europe showing traits reminiscent of Bellingham, Dortmund are well positioned to identify and mould the next big star.
A pursuit for Khéphren Thuram or a strategic move for Carney Chukwuemeka would reflect Dortmund’s enduring philosophy—betting on potential, developing stars, and elevating both individual careers and the club’s competitive ambitions. Fast action will be crucial, as Europe’s elite also circle the same talent pool. For Borussia Dortmund, the emergence of the next great midfielder could happen sooner rather than later, provided their proven approach to recruitment and player development continues.
