Jobe Bellingham Told to Trust the ‘Process’ as Niko Kovac Demands Patience for ‘Very Talented’ Borussia Dortmund Midfielder

Jobe Bellingham’s Dortmund Start Sparks Questions

When Jobe Bellingham joined Borussia Dortmund in the summer, there was a sense of déjà vu. The Bellingham name already carries enormous weight at Signal Iduna Park, with older brother Jude having gone from teenage prodigy to Champions League star before sealing his blockbuster move to Real Madrid. For Jobe, the challenge is obvious: to carve out his own path while escaping the shadow of a sibling who has already conquered the European stage.

The 19-year-old midfielder arrived with high expectations after impressing at Sunderland in the Championship. A strong pre-season only amplified the excitement, capped off with a debut goal at the Club World Cup that had Dortmund fans buzzing about their latest English talent. But a few months into his Bundesliga adventure, reality has been more complicated.

Minutes have been limited. His role is still undefined. And already, his situation has sparked headlines—on and off the pitch.

Kovac Calls for ‘Patience’

Niko Kovac

Head coach Niko Kovac has been firm in his message: Jobe Bellingham is a talent for the future, but he must be nurtured carefully. For Kovac, the temptation to rush a young player into the spotlight is one of football’s biggest mistakes.

“We let him play there at the Club World Cup because we wanted to see how he would adapt,” Kovac explained this week. “But I do think the number six role is where we see him long-term. I don’t want to make comparisons, but he has a lot of potential. That has to develop first—it’s a process. You can’t make the mistake of putting too much pressure on him because of his name. That’s not doing the boy any favors.”

It was a revealing comment. While Bellingham has been used in various midfield positions already, Kovac seems to view him as a holding player in the long run. That suggests Dortmund are trying to groom him for responsibility, but only at the right pace.

Kovac continued: “Jobe is a very talented young player who comes from the English second division and has to grow into his new role here. We know exactly what we expect from him and what the future holds. The jump from the English second division to the Bundesliga is a natural fit. He’s getting good minutes and has played in every game. Everyone wants to play more, but I’m happy with his development.”

A Bright Start That Raised Expectations

What complicates matters is that Bellingham did not arrive as an unknown. At Sunderland, he had already shown flashes of maturity beyond his years. His versatility, ability to glide past opponents, and confidence on the ball made him one of the Championship’s most intriguing young players.

Then came Dortmund’s pre-season. Jobe’s composure in friendly matches suggested he was ready to make the leap. His debut at the Club World Cup, where he scored, only heightened the buzz. Social media was quick to highlight his potential, and some fans inevitably started making comparisons to Jude.

That excitement has now met the reality of Bundesliga football. Kovac has opted for experience in midfield, leaning on Felix Nmecha, Emre Can, and Marcel Sabitzer for the crunch minutes. Jobe has found himself playing the role of impact substitute—a far cry from the central figure many supporters envisioned.

Family Incident Adds Unwanted Spotlight

If the on-field minutes have been modest, the off-field noise has been anything but. The teenager was substituted at half-time in Dortmund’s 3-3 draw against St. Pauli, a decision that didn’t sit well with his family. Reports surfaced that his parents confronted sporting director Sebastian Kehl in the tunnel to ask about the substitution, creating an unwanted distraction for the club.

The incident was enough for BVB to issue a reminder that family members are barred from restricted areas. The message was clear: protecting Jobe from external pressures is just as important as managing his minutes.

For a teenager adjusting to a new country, new league, and the heavy baggage of his surname, such incidents only add to the pressure. Kovac has insisted he will shield the player from unfair scrutiny, but the spotlight is not easy to dim when the name on the back of the shirt reads “Bellingham.”

Competition in Dortmund’s Midfield

Another factor in Jobe’s slow integration is the sheer level of competition at Dortmund. Unlike Sunderland, where he was often a guaranteed starter, the Bundesliga outfit is stacked with midfielders who have years of experience at the highest level.

Felix Nmecha brings Champions League experience and physicality. Marcel Sabitzer, signed from Bayern Munich, adds technical quality and tactical awareness. Emre Can, though inconsistent, is still the club captain and a natural leader. Jude’s shadow also looms—though unfairly—because fans inevitably measure Jobe against the player who redefined Dortmund’s midfield before heading to Madrid.

For Jobe, this means patience. Earning a starting place at a club like Dortmund is no small feat, and the teenager is still adjusting to the demands of German football. Kovac’s insistence on “trusting the process” reflects an understanding that rushing development could do more harm than good.

Wolfsburg Test Looms

Jobe Bellingham Borussia Dortmund 2025

Next up for Dortmund is a clash against Wolfsburg on September 21, a game that will once again put the spotlight on Bellingham. Will Kovac reward his progress in training with more minutes? Or will the teenager remain a rotation option, easing into the Bundesliga step by step?

The media scrutiny won’t help. Every selection decision will be analysed, every substitution debated. If Jobe plays well, calls for him to start more often will grow louder. If he struggles or remains on the bench, questions about Kovac’s trust will resurface.

This is the delicate balance Dortmund must strike. Develop the player, but protect him. Nurture the talent, but manage the pressure. For now, Kovac seems intent on keeping the long view in mind.

The Bigger Picture: Trusting the Process

What’s clear is that Dortmund are not panicking. They know Jobe is a long-term project, not a quick fix. His physical attributes, footballing intelligence, and work ethic make him an exciting prospect. But at 19, expecting him to dominate the Bundesliga straight away would be unfair.

Kovac’s message of patience isn’t just for the fans—it’s also for Jobe himself. Learning to cope with limited minutes, dealing with setbacks, and growing into the pace of the German game are all part of the journey.

Football is full of examples of young players who were rushed too quickly and burned out. Dortmund, a club with a reputation for nurturing talent, know that lesson better than most. The aim is to avoid mistakes of the past and ensure Jobe develops steadily, without being overwhelmed by hype or expectation.

Conclusion: A Name, a Process, and a Future

For Jobe Bellingham, the challenge is as much psychological as it is physical or tactical. Living up to his family name, handling the pressure of being in one of Europe’s top clubs, and proving himself in a new environment—all while still being a teenager—are not small tasks.

Niko Kovac has chosen the right word: process. This isn’t about instant impact; it’s about gradual growth. Dortmund fans may need to be patient, but if Jobe continues on his trajectory, the rewards could be immense.

The story of his career at Dortmund is only just beginning. Whether he steps onto the pitch against Wolfsburg as a starter or comes off the bench again, the bigger picture remains unchanged: Borussia Dortmund believe in him, and they’re prepared to give him the time he needs to become the player he’s destined to be.