JUDE BELLINGHAM left the pitch to a standing ovation at the Bernabeu last Saturday. He has become used to those following his extraordinary start to life at Real Madrid - and he joined up with the England squad this week as arguably the most in-form player in world football.
Just two months into his Madrid career, Bellingham has become the leader in a team of superstars. His two goals in a 4-0 La Liga win over Osasuna took him to 10 goals in 10 games for his new club, and already he is being referred to in Spain as 'El Jefe', the boss.
The 20-year-old has been a sensation and, with Euro 2024 on the horizon, his emergence as one of the best midfielders on the planet could be a game-changer for England.
For so long, Gareth Southgate has looked to Harry Kane as his leader. But there is surely now an argument for the England manager to build the team around his new-era Galactico.
Southgate has always guarded against over-hyping players, although it is almost impossible to temper expectations around a player who has taken Spain by storm.
Bellingham had big plans when he moved to Madrid from Borussia Dortmund for £88million over the summer.
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Denne historien er fra October 12, 2023-utgaven av Evening Standard.
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