Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
Sport
Tom Cavilla

Jude Bellingham names 'too good' Liverpool player and explains Trent Alexander-Arnold omission

Jude Bellingham has labelled Virgil van Dijk 'too good' after naming the Liverpool defender in his EA Sports FIFA Team of the Year.

The Dutch defender was a mainstay throughout the Reds' defence in 2022, playing a starring role as Jurgen Klopp's side claimed two trophies and came agonisingly close to winning the Champions League and Premier League.

Also heaping praise on Joel Matip and Trent Alexander-Arnold, Bellingham recognised the performances of the Liverpool duo though opted for alternative players in their positions when selecting his starting eleven.

READ MORE: Liverpool unveil new look as three more players absent from training ahead of Brighton tie

READ MORE: Inside the secret world of Liverpool's transfers department

Alexander-Arnold came close to making the cut in his squad, though the England international went on to make clear why he opted for PSG's Achraf Hakimi instead. "I'm not picking between the English guys, I'm going to go with Hakimi because I'm not picking between Trent and Walks [Kyle Walker]," he explained. "I will take Hakimi because he was amazing at the World Cup and I won't get killed for picking him."

Continuing on the topic of defenders, Bellingham continued: "Matip had a really good year, actually. He was good to watch. I think Van Dijk always, man. He is too good. I will put him in and next to him, Militao."

Liverpool supporters will, of course, be hoping they could be seeing the 19-year-old line up alongside Matip and Van Dijk next season, amid growing speculation over the teenager's future in Germany. Jurgen Klopp's side are extremely keen on Bellingham, but will likely have to spend in excess of £100million to stand a chance of recruiting one of Europe's brightest prospects.

Bellingham's Team of the Year in full: Thibaut Courtois, Joao Cancelo, Virgil van Dijk, Eder Militao, Achraf Hakimi, Kevin De Bruyne, Luka Modric, Federico Valverde, Lionel Messi, Erling Haaland, Kylian Mbappe.

READ NEXT:

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.