Liverpool's £131M target ranks 3rd in list behind Lionel Messi - shows quality of young star

Liverpool's £131M target has ranked third behind Lionel Messi in a new set of statistics taken from the top five leagues in Europe.

Jude Bellingham has been Liverpool's target in midfield since way before the start of this summer and its likely he will leave next summer, with a move to the Premier League on the cards.

With the Reds looking at the likes of James Milner, Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain who could all leave next summer due to their contracts expiring, it makes sense to go all out for a new star to anchor their midfield.

A new list of statistics reveals he is rubbing shoulders with the best as the 19-year-old has enjoyed a great start to the new 2022/23 season and continues to go from strength to strength.

Bellingham ranks third behind Messi

Bellingham is an impressive talent alone without the need for stats to enhance his already blossoming stature.

However, a stat revealed by Squawka shows that he ranks third in Europe for take-ons completed - a stat that has been dominated by the Argentinian football star.

His skillset knows no bounds it seems given that he is a central midfield player and sits on this list amongst mostly wingers.

This is just another example of his quality and his well-roundedness that he continues to display week after week in Germany.

Bellingham due to cost £131M

According to the latest news, Bellingham is due to cost up to £131M, with Borussia Dortmund ready to discuss deals with any of the top clubs in Europe as long as they can put forward the fee mentioned.

There is plenty of interest from the top clubs in Europe, with the likes of Chelsea, Manchester City and Real Madrid involved.

His price tag has risen from even earlier in the summer, when it was said that it would cost around £103M for his signature - that figure has risen already and could rise again if he continues his good form into the World Cup in November.

Either way, Liverpool are to go all out regardless as he is their number one target.