Mikel Obi Compares Jobe Bellingham to Frank Lampard
Former Nigeria and Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel has praised Borussia Dortmund’s new signing Jobe Bellingham, comparing him to Chelsea legend Frank Lampard after the teenager scored on his first start at the FIFA Club World Cup.
Jobe, the younger brother of Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham, made an instant impact for his new club after joining from Sunderland. He scored in Dortmund’s 3-0 win over Mamelodi Sundowns, impressing fans and pundits alike with a well-timed run and sharp finish.
Speaking to *DAZN* after the match, Mikel Obi highlighted the 19-year-old’s playing style, saying his late runs into the box reminded him of Lampard, who was known for scoring consistently from midfield.
“He reminds me of a certain player I played with — Frank Lampard. 20-odd goals every season by being there and arriving at the right time,” Mikel said.
“What I like about him is he’s very direct. Once he has the ball he’s looking up, he’s passing forwards, running forwards. He wants to arrive at the box at the right time, and that’s exactly what he did.”
Mikel also praised Jobe’s decision-making and movement, pointing out that the goal came from his determination to pass the ball and then make the run to finish the move.
The goal and performance have raised excitement around Bellingham’s future in Germany, with fans already seeing similarities not only to his brother Jude — who also scored on his Dortmund debut — but now also to Premier League greats.
Dortmund’s next Club World Cup match will see them face Mexican side Tigres in their final Group F fixture.
