Overview

• Across six competitive matches Bellingham has logged 199 minutes without a goal contribution, underscoring a low-impact start.
• After starting the first two Bundesliga games, he has recently come off the bench, including in the 1-0 win over Wolfsburg.
• Head coach Niko Kovač says the midfielder needs time to grow into the team, pointing to a steep jump from England’s second tier and strong competition in Dortmund’s midfield.
• Club reporters note a cautious on-ball approach with many safety passes and say comparisons to his brother Jude have added pressure that Bellingham himself has acknowledged.
• Ricken cites the player’s five-year contract and positive Club World Cup showings, urging that Bellingham not be made a talking point before and after every match.