Jude Bellingham has been England's hero at the World Cup; Liverpool has its own version of the Real Madrid star, but Andoni Iraola has to make sure he gets the best out of him
04:00, 13 Jul 2026
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA - JULY 11: Jude Bellingham #10 of England celebrates his second goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Quarter Final football match between Norway and England at Miami Stadium on July 11, 2026 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Jean Catuffe/Getty Images)
Jude Bellingham fired England into the World Cup semi-finals(Image: Getty Images)
It’s amazing to think that, just a matter of weeks ago, there was a serious discussion about whether Jude Bellingham should start for England at the World Cup.
Seeing him drag his side almost single-handedly into the semifinals underlines just how ridiculous a notion it was that he might have been overlooked. Bellingham is England’s best player, and he showed that against Norway.
Watching him with a Liverpool hat on, you can’t help but feel a little envious. In truth, he wasn’t as close as many might think he was to moving to Anfield a few years ago, but all those hints he dropped and the time spent with Jordan Henderson and Trent Alexander-Arnold did make you feel like the Reds had a chance.
He would have been something to behold had he decided to join Liverpool. Those Steven Gerrard-like qualities have been on full display during this World Cup, and Reds fans certainly wouldn’t turn down the chance to see that up close.
Fortunately, Liverpool did manage to secure its own version the same year that Bellingham joined Real Madrid.
Dominik Szoboszlai is the closest thing the Reds have to their legendary former captain right now. Like Gerrard and Bellingham, the Hungarian has the capacity to turn a game on its head, and he has that same swagger of a player who knows just how good he is.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - MAY 24: Dominik Szoboszlai of Liverpool looks on during the Premier League match between Liverpool and Brentford at Anfield on May 24, 2026 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Jack Thomas/Getty Images)
Dominik Szoboszlai is Liverpool's own Jude Bellingham(Image: Getty Images)
"I have too much ego; the more people try to tell me I won't succeed, the more I take a perverse pleasure in proving them wrong. That's why I have so much love for the people sitting on their sofas talking s--t about me," Szoboszlai said in a recent interview with L’Equipe.
You shudder to think just where Liverpool might have been without him last season. He was Arne Slot’s man for all occasions, with the Dutchman relying on him to fill gaps anywhere in his side, most notably at right-back.
"I could easily say 'I don't want to play full-back; either you put me in midfield, or I'm not playing'," Szoboszlai said. "But I don't do that because I want to help my team however I can. It's a team sport.”
Szoboszlai is saying all the right things there, but if Andoni Iraola wants to get the best out of him, then he shouldn’t be as fluid as Slot was.
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Versatility is a great attribute to have, but as Liverpool’s own Bellingham, Szoboszlai should be placed in positions where he can have the greatest effect. That means playing him in his most natural spot in midfield, and not relying on him to plug a hole elsewhere every week.
Bellingham is the best example right now of where that mentality can lead you. England is now just two games away from becoming world champion, and if it manages, its No.10 is in with a shout for player of the tournament.
If Liverpool is to restore itself as a genuine contender for the Premier League and Champions League, then Szoboszlai is going to be instrumental in that. Iraola has to make sure he’s not limiting him.