Jude Bellingham and Erling Haaland star in Borussia Dortmund's first 2020/21 pre-season win
Jude Bellingham played a starring role from midfield in Borussia Dortmund's first pre-season fixture of the summer ahead of the 2020/21 season, with Erling Haaland also scoring twice in a 6-0 victory over SC Rheindorf Altach.
Having signed a long-term contract with Dortmund at the end of July before joining the first-team training camp in Bad Ragaz, Switzerland, 17-year-old Bellingham started the club's opening pre-season match of the summer.
The English teenager played alongside fellow countryman Jadon Sancho, as well as Haaland and Gio Reyna in a strong starting XI, with Bellingham partnering Thomas Delaney in holding midfield.
Bellingham, despite playing in a deeper midfield role, contributed to two of Dortmund's goals in his 45 minutes on the pitch. The first coming from his pressing and reading of the game as he intercepted a pass out from the Altach defence before setting up Haaland, who in turn found Reyna for a tidy finish.
Haaland tucked away a penalty before Bellingham then turned direct provider for the Norweigian striker's second of the first half, his backheeled flick at the near post teeing up Haaland to smash home. Lucien Favre changed his entire team at half-time with the score already at 3-0 and Dortmund added three more goals in the second period through Thorgan Hazard, Emre Can and Julian Brandt.
"I loved every minute of it," Bellingham told BVB.TV after his debut for the club. "It was great to familiarise myself with the boys and finally have some competition in black and yellow. I'm buzzing. We got some goals, had some fun. I really enjoyed it.
Want more Bundesliga Action?
"I'm confident in my ability but the boys made it so easy for me. They were outstanding at times and we played some really good stuff even though it's our first game back. I'm really happy to be part of this team."
Bellingham will be looking to impress further in Dortmund's next friendly against Austria Vienna, to be played on Sunday 16 August.
Related news
Dortmund Legends to face Flamengo in honour of Pelé
A team of Dortmund legends will travel to Brazil to take on their counterparts from Flamengo on King Pelé Day.
Who should partner Kimmich in Bayern's midfield?
Injuries to Pavlović and Palhinha, who were already competing against each other, have opened up a spot alongside Kimmich in Bayern’s midfield. What are Kompany’s options?
Why Guirassy deserves to win African Player of the Year
Goals mean prizes, and for Dortmund's Serhou Guirassy that could mean top honours back home in Africa...