Alan Pardew fears that Jude Bellingham will suffer the same fate as David Beckham at the 1998 World Cup – as he warns the 20-year-old will have a ‘moment when he does something less mature’
Alan Pardew fears that Jude Bellingham could suffer the same fate at David Beckham at the 1998 World Cup during this summer’s European Championship.
The 20-year-old has enjoyed a startling debut season with Real Madrid that has seen him become the LaLiga giants’ top scorer and most important player.
Bellingham has notched 20 goals in all competitions as Carlo Ancelotti’s side sit eight points clear at the top of the league and harbour aspirations of clinching a 15th Champions League title.
But amid his breathtaking displays, the former Borussia Dortmund star has had a few brushes with officials – most notably when he received a red card for passionate protests after his late winner was disallowed in Madrid’s draw at Valencia earlier this month.
Pardew, who noted the rough treatment Bellingham received from Brazil’s Lucas Paqueta at Wembley, has warned that the youngster may resort to an action befitting of his age if continually wound up by opponents.
Jude Bellingham earned his 28th cap in England’s 1-0 defeat to Brazil at Wembley on Saturday
Alan Pardew fears that Jude Bellingham may suffer the same fate as David Beckham at the 1998 World Cup
Beckham was shown a straight red card for kicking out at Diego Simeone (middle right) in a moment of frustration
‘He’s obviously getting that in Madrid, don’t think that’s not happening at Madrid.’ the ex-Newcastle and Crystal Palace boss told the Sunday Session on talkSPORT.
‘He’s getting used to it and I think he’s frustrated because he wants to do so well.
‘Off camera yesterday, he’s geeing the crowed up, he’s a real motivator, he was geeing the team up, he was having words with individuals, he’s just a great footballer full stop.
‘We’re so lucky to have him, perhaps he’s a top three player in the world you’d have to say. He’s an exceptional talent and he is going to have moments like Becks had.
‘He’s going to have a moment when he does something, let’s say, less mature and gets in trouble, let’s hope it’s not in this tournament though because I think he’s going to be very, very important.’
Bellingham received rough treatment from Brazil players as they tried to stifle England’s most potent attacking threat
Beckham’s infamous red card in the last-16 of the 1998 World Cup against Argentina was the first of his career. It came following taunting from now-Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone.
The Three Lions went on to lose the match, with most of the resulting blame laid at the feet of the then-23-year-old.
