Former Birmingham City midfielder David Davis has opened up about witnessing the early emergence of Jude Bellingham and the football intelligence that set him apart. Davis, who made 182 appearances for the Blues between 2014 and 2021, always believed Bellingham had what it takes to reach the very top.
Early impressions of Bellingham
Davis recalled seeing Bellingham come through the ranks at Wast Hills and quickly recognizing his potential. He said: "You sort of come in and around, and you're seeing the early emergence of a young Jude Bellingham. I felt like I had a duty to make the young lads feel welcome." Davis added that he wanted to spare Bellingham the harsh treatment he himself endured as a youngster: "I had older lads battering me when I was coming through, and I hated the feeling it gave me."
Describing Bellingham's character, Davis said: "He was a humble kid. People think he's arrogant, but you've got to be self-assured. The media in England, we think that's arrogance. But when you're that good, you have to have this voice in your head that keeps telling you you're good enough."
Davis was not surprised by Bellingham's rapid rise: "Am I surprised he rose so quickly? No, because of some of the things he was doing. You were half desperate to be on his team for five-a-sides!" He praised Bellingham's football intelligence, noting: "He just needed the physicality, but he was also clever enough not to get himself into some of the physical duels. That's football intelligence at such a young age."
Memorable goal against Aston Villa
Davis also reflected on one of his most memorable moments at the club: his goal against Aston Villa in 2016. His 72nd-minute strike earned the Blues a share of the spoils in a 1-1 draw at St Andrew's. Davis latched onto a poor clearance and fired low past Pierluigi Gollini to secure a deserved point after an improved second-half performance.
Villa had taken the lead through Gary Gardner's first-half header, but Davis had other ideas. He recalled: "Leading up to that, because I'm a local lad, you feel the tension. That derby — they genuinely don't like each other." He added: "I've got family that are Blues fans; I've got family that are Villa fans. I got butterflies. I knew that day that I was going to be unbelievable because not many boys in that Villa changing room knew what it meant to be from Birmingham."
Describing the goal, Davis said: "The ball comes to me, I give it a little touch and then hit it and I'm just like, 'Oh my god, that's in.'" He celebrated passionately, aiming his joy at Villa fans and his wife's uncle, who was seated in the Blues end. "I'm going to go and give it absolutely massive. It's vicious, isn't it?" he concluded.
