Birmingham City have produced a number of talented youngsters in recent seasons, with the standout obviously being Jude Bellingham.
The England international is tearing up La Liga with Real Madrid just a few years after he was last playing for Birmingham City in the Championship.
His rise has been incredible, and he leaves behind him a legacy at Birmingham City and a certain expectation for the club’s youth academy.
And a certain Jordan James will be hoping to follow in similar footsteps to former teammate Bellingham.
He too is a graduate of the Blues‘ youth academy and he too is a full international, with James a regular starter for Wales.
Welsh boss Rob Page is a huge admirer of James’ and has often spoke highly of the 19-year-old, who’s now been tipped to follow in the footsteps of a well-known Welsh icon.
Mail says James could be the next Gareth Bale
James has seven caps to his name with Wales. But despite being a fairly new member of the side, he’s already an important one.
His last performance vs Croatia earned him high praise with the Blues midfielder going up against Ballon D’Or winner Luka Modric and coming out on top, with Wales winning that game 2-1.
And an emerging article from the Daily Mail has tipped James to emulate Bale’s success with Wales.
The 34-year-old retired this year after an illustrious career which saw him win five Champions League titles with Real Madrid, whilst also scoring 41 goals in 111 games for his national side.
Bale’s shoes are big ones to fill. But James remains a very young player with bags of potential, and his recent performances for Wales suggest that he can yet become a huge player for Wales and a huge favourite among the passionate Welsh supporters.
James, Wayne Rooney, and Birmingham City…
International football and club football are obviously two different things, with different demands.
James has performed well for Wales in almost every game he’s played though he’s had some spells of inconsistency with Blues in the past.
John Eustace didn’t always favour James. The midfielder was largely limited to substitute appearances under the former Birmingham City boss but Wayne Rooney has begun to start James, who’s now started the last three for Blues.
Rooney has been in a similar position to James in the past; a young player breaking through, already emerging on the international stage and already with big expectations on his shoulders, with this Bale comparison adding pressure onto young James’ shoulders.
So expect Rooney to be a good mentor for James. Although Birmingham City aren’t playing well right now, James is getting exposure and guidance from a tried and tested former player in Rooney.
Staying in the Blues XI will be vital for James as he eyes Euro 2024 qualification with Wales.