'He needs several years to be up there with them,' Michael Owen rejects comparisons between Jude Bellingham and other English legends

Former Real Madrid forward and 2001 Ballon d’Or recipient Owen, discussing Bellingham’s likening to English midfield legends like Gerrard, Scholes, and Lampard, suggested the 20-year-old has much to accomplish to match their status. The former striker stressed upon the necessity of prolonged success over the next six to seven years that Bellingham needs, to be an English football legend. Even winning titles like the Champions League, La Liga, or Euro 2024 this season might not guarantee the 20-year old a place among the greats.

Jude Bellingham wouldn't automatically be better than Gerrard, Lampard, and Scholes if he wins La Liga, the Champions League and Euro 2024 next year. Those players did it for years and years and they never dropped their level. They won multiple titles and they were also Champions League winners. Jude needs to do it for five, six, or seven years to be up there with them. Owen told as reported by Mirror.

Jude Bellingham stands a strong chance of winning three significant trophies in 2024, potentially elevating him to the ‘Best Player in the World’ status next year. Micheal Owen, despite being an ardent fan of the Los Blancos star, dismissed the possibility that the player being more decorated than those legends just yet.

Jude Bellingham joins the list of the very few British players to have played for the Los Blancos

Jude Bellingham became just the seventh British male player to feature for Real Madrid’s senior team. His transfer from Borussia Dortmund adds him to the exclusive roster of British players at Los Blancos, which includes Laurie Cunningham, Steve McManaman, David Beckham, Michael Owen, Jonathan Woodgate, and Welsh star Gareth Bale.

Winger Laurie Cunningham was a pioneering figure, notably becoming the first Englishman to join Real Madrid in the modern era, spending a few productive seasons there from 1979 to 1984. McManaman followed Cunningham’s path, leaving Liverpool for Real Madrid on a free transfer in 1999, winning two La Liga and Champions League titles by 2003.

English icons, David Beckham and Michael Owen subsequently joined Los Blancos in 2003 and 2004, respectively. Woodgate arrived in 2004 for £13.4m from Newcastle, but his time in Spain proved calamitous. Welsh star, Gareth Bale’s remarkable achievements at Real Madrid, including multiple major titles, solidify his standing as a club icon and potentially the greatest British player in its history.