“Hey Jobe!” | Borussia Dortmund celebrate Jobe Bellingham’s first BVB goal | OneFootball

After a 31-minute-long relief shift in his opening Borussia Dortmund match, English phenom Jobe Bellingham excelled in his BVB starting debut. The 19-year-old midfielder – a box-to-box talent just like his older brother Jude – actually took Karim Adeyemi’s place on the second attacking axis Saturday afternoon. Shortly before the end of the first half in Dortmund’s second Club World Cup group stage match, Bellingham netted his first goal for his new Bundesliga club.

Bellingham fired in the 3-1 against South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns in the 45th minute. The Birmingham-native impressively chested down a deflected ball and fired home from about ten meters out. Bellingham first credited his opponents with a fine game and noted that he and the team had “plenty of room for improvement“. The former Sunderland man then gave himself some credit.

“I’ve practiced that so many times,” Bellingham told German broadcaster DAZN. “As a midfielder, arriving late at the edge of the box is something you really have to be good at. And if you can contribute a certain number of goals like that per season, then you’re on the right track.“

Naturally, Bellingham wasn’t working as a midfielder on this particular day. In point of fact, his forward deployment was the reason he was able to capitalize on an error from Mamelodi keeper Ronwen Williams. Bellingham started above new slot-six starter Felix Nmecha, who is considered a competitor for Bellingham both at the six, eight, and ten positions.

Nmecha also scored in the game, notching an essential equalizer in the 16th minute after the South Africans took a surprising lead. Dortmund had to fight incredibly hard against the underdog club, eking out a slender 4-3 victory in the end. Nmecha also capitalized on a goalkeeper error and scored from ten meters out.

The German international spoke on his new English teammate in the mixed zone after the match. Bellingham had some extra thoughts to add at the post-match press conference as well. Both players answered questions as to whether the famous “Hey Jude” BVB chant would receive a “Hey Jobe” variant.

“I have a good feeling about him,” Nmecha said, suggesting that the two could even potentially partner up on an axis in the future. “He’s a very good player with a lot of potential. I hope that we can share some positive moments together on this team.

“It also helps that I can speak English with other players,” Nmecha – a former England youth international just like his brother added – “It’s easier for him to understand what he needs to do. I think we have a good connection.”

“I think he should definitely sing to mark the occasion,” Nmecha replied when asked about the “Hey Jobe” song prospects.

“Yeah, I’ve been informed about it,” Bellingham himself noted at the press conference. “I don’t mind. As long as the fans are chanting my name in a positive way, I suppose it’s a good thing. So, yeah, I’m pleased.

“The lads have really helped me settle in,” Bellingham went on to say. “On and off the pitch, it’s been a really beneficial experience for me to be with the team so soon. I get to know them better and they get to know me. It’s been really positive so far.“

GGFN | Peter Weis