Erling Haaland praised Jude Bellingham after the England midfielder scored twice to end Norway’s World Cup campaign.
Erling Haaland labelled Jude Bellingham “one of the best in the world” after the England midfielder scored twice to knock Norway out of the World Cup.
Bellingham’s decisive display helped England come from behind to win 2-1, booking their place in the semi-finals.
The result brought Norway’s tournament to a close, but Haaland still found time to praise his former Borussia Dortmund teammate in the aftermath.
The pair spent two seasons together at Borussia Dortmund and have stayed close, even after moving on to Manchester City and Real Madrid.
Asked what he had said to Bellingham after the final whistle, Haaland replied: “I mean, Jude is a good friend. We had two good years together in Dortmund. So, we keep in touch and everything and he’s such a good guy.
“I’ve said it so many times. We had so much fun together. So, and I’m not surprised that he scores two goals today and performs the way he does.”
Bellingham went into the quarter-final walking a disciplinary tightrope, aware that another yellow card would have seen him miss England’s next match.
Instead, he kept his discipline and delivered both goals as Thomas Tuchel’s side recovered from an early setback against Norway.
It was another reminder of Bellingham’s knack for influencing the biggest matches, though Haaland suggested the criticism he faces is often misplaced.
“The only thing is that sometimes I think he gets a bit too much of a critic because he don’t score enough goals or whatever it is,” Haaland said.
“And I think he don’t really deserve it because I think he’s one of the best in the world.”
Since making his senior debut, Bellingham has grown into one of England’s key players, with his goals and attacking influence now central to his role at Real Madrid.
Haaland, though, was keen to highlight Bellingham’s all-round game, rather than focusing just on his goals.
“And he’s a midfielder. He still scores goals. He still managed to dribble every single player on the field,” he added.
“So, it’s just praise for Jude. I think he’s unbelievable and England is lucky, Madrid is lucky because everybody would want a Jude in the team.”
Haaland’s words carry weight, given the bond the two built at Dortmund and his first-hand view of Bellingham’s rise.
Even after seeing his own World Cup hopes ended by Bellingham’s brace, Haaland’s focus was on the quality of the player who made the difference.
England now head into the final four with Bellingham available and in form, while Haaland’s words serve as another endorsement for a midfielder who keeps delivering when it matters most.
