Jude Bellingham has been hailed as ‘the future of English football’ after an international break in which the 19-year-old once again showed why elite clubs are lining up to sign him.
England midfielder Declan Rice says his Three Lions team-mate is the best teenager in world football and is ready to play at the highest level despite his age.
Bellingham was the best player on the pitch for England as they lost 1-0 to Italy and drew 3-3 with Germany in their final competitive matches before the World Cup in November.
His all-around performance in the middle of the park all but guaranteed his place in Gareth Southgate’s starting XI at Qatar 2022.
Bellingham’s outstanding performance for club and country has also had all of Europe’s top clubs watching him, ahead of what could be a huge battle for his signature next summer.
The former Birmingham City youngster was heavily linked with a move to Liverpool this summer but decided to stay at Borussia Dortmund out of loyalty to the German club, who have helped take his game to the next level since arriving from the Championship in as long as 17 -Age.
Now, it’s reported by Spanish outlet Marca that Real Madrid have joined the race and the England starlet is seriously considering a move to the Spanish champions.
Bellingham became the most expensive 17-year-old in the world when he signed for Dortmund for £25m in 2020, and is now said to be valued at around £130m.
And his rise came as no surprise to England team-mate Rice, who says the young midfielder is an old head on young shoulders and is also physically ahead of his years.
“He’s 19 but he’s got the body of a 28-year-old, he’s a man,” Rice said, praising Bellingham.
“He thinks like a man, plays like a man and shows personality and character. You can see that when he plays for Dortmund, how he moves on the pitch. He is the future of English football to come for the next 15 years if he wishes.
“Every time I play with Jude we build that connection and I tell him ‘you’re going to bomb and do your attacking stuff and I’m going to sit here and defend for you’. So we get that good connection, he’s great to play with.
“He’s also a top boy, he really pushes you on the pitch. We push each other and it’s a privilege to play alongside him.
“I don’t think I’ve seen anyone as good as him in 19 years. I watch a lot of 19-year-olds, whether it’s at a club, around the world, across the country, to get all the package, it’s a hard thing to get and I feel like he has that.
His versatility will be one of the reasons Bellingham is so coveted by Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp, and Rice says it is one of his greatest strengths.
“I’ve been around and played so many more games than him – and I’m still only 23 – but you can just tell at 19 what he already brings to the team. energy he has,” added the West Ham captain.
“He can play in a starting role, he can play as an eight, he can play as a No.10. He can play anywhere in midfield and I know he’s going to be crucial for us. .
“He’s a young guy with an old head, really. All the guys love him.
“Even small things, as a 19-year-old you’re scared to talk to the referee but he’s in front of the referee demanding answers, demanding decisions and he constantly leaves himself on the pitch.”
Watch the World Cup with talkSPORT
At talkSPORT, we’re powered by fans, so come join us for the ultimate World Cup fan experience this winter – at the talkSPORT fan zone.
In a huge covered room under the arches of Waterloo in London, we will bring you live screenings of every World Cup game.
There will be Q&A with talkSPORT talent, you’ll be part of our live shows and plenty of food and drink will be on offer too.
Come and have the best World Cup fan experience in London – and enjoy a free pint – with tickets for the England and Wales group stage matches on sale now HERE!