- Kobel heaps praise on Bellingham
- Keeper happy youngster is part of his team
- Compared him to his elder brother Jude
Kobel is certain Bellingham being a part of the squad is “a good thing” for Borussia Dortmund, with the goalkeeper pointing out that the midfielder is “special” and “incredibly mature” just like his elder brother Jude, although they are different in their own ways.
Bellingham joined Dortmund in a sensational move from newly-promoted Sunderland earlier this summer. Being the younger brother of one of the finest footballers in the world would have been enough to strike early comparisons, but Jobe, just like the Real Madrid ace, will also star for Die Schwarzgelben. The 19-year-old made his debut for Dortmund at the Club World Cup, even opening his scoring account against Mamelodi Sundowns in his first start for his new side. He will wear the No.7 jersey next season.
In an interview with Sport1 Kobel was asked how similar the Bellinghams are, he replied: “They’re two special guys who are incredibly similar in certain ways. They’re incredibly mature for their age. But on the pitch, they’re two different guys. Jobe, just like his brother, is incredibly ambitious, physically strong, gives it his all, and always wants to win. He can only be a good thing for us.”
Bellingham will be aiming to help Dortmund challenge Bayern Munich and Bayer Leverkusen to the Bundesliga throne. Niko Kovac’s side kick-off their campaign against Essen in the first round of the DFB-Pokal on August 18, before playing the opening game of the new league season against St. Pauli five days later.