by Oliver Trust
BERLIN, Feb. 24 (Xinhua) -- Ahead of Borussia Dortmund's UEFA Champions League playoff second leg against Atalanta on Wednesday, Jobe Bellingham has stepped into the spotlight.
After a difficult start to the season that saw him spend long stretches on the bench, the 20-year-old midfielder has worked his way into the starting lineup of the 2023-24 Champions League finalists. Carrying a famous surname initially looked like a burden, but the younger brother of England regular Jude Bellingham has steadily earned trust and praise from Dortmund coach Niko Kovac.
"He is much fitter than last summer. He is acting faster. His development is satisfying," Kovac said.
The former Sunderland midfielder struggled early under high expectations and appeared close to being written off, making just five starts in the first 14 matches of the campaign. That changed after injuries in Dortmund's midfield opened the door for the 30.5 million euro signing.
Bellingham has now started nine straight games, a run that reflects his growing influence. Kovac said he values the midfielder's mentality as much as his physical progress.
"I like his eagerness. He is someone seeking improvement every day," the coach said. "I like it if someone at an early age is aware of what he needs to improve."
Kovac said it was normal that adaptation took time, pointing to cultural differences and the higher tempo of Germany's top division compared with England's second tier. On current form, Bellingham has moved ahead of midfield competitors such as Felix Nmecha and Marcel Sabitzer.
In Dortmund's 2-0 home win in the first leg against Atalanta, Bellingham delivered one of his strongest performances, and he again stayed on the pitch for the full 90 minutes in a 2-2 league draw at RB Leipzig, while his rivals were substituted. His passing accuracy and one-on-one numbers have continued to rise.
Kovac rejected direct comparisons with Jude Bellingham, noting that Jobe plays a more defensive role. Still, the coach stressed his long-term promise.
"He is 20, don't forget that," Kovac said. "But looking at his potential, we can expect more to come. He needed rhythm and made the right conclusions." ■
