Jude Bellingham, the 20-year-old English midfielder, has enjoyed a rapid ascent in football, emerging from Birmingham City before moving to Borussia Dortmund in 2020. After playing 132 games there, he secured a high-profile transfer to Real Madrid for £113 million in 2023. Since joining Real Madrid, Bellingham has thrived, earning the title of LaLiga’s best player in his first season.

In his national team, Bellingham is considered second in importance only to Harry Kane. Interestingly, the young midfielder believes that one of his Real Madrid teammates, Arda Guler, could surpass his talents. Massimo Franchi, creator of the Goldenboy Award, quoted Bellingham as praising Guler’s training performances.

Arda Guler, who joined Real Madrid last summer from Fenerbahce for £17 million, has also made an impression despite injury setbacks. The attacking midfielder concluded his first season with five goals in his last five LaLiga appearances, earning a spot on Turkey’s national team for the European Championship. Guler notably scored a stunning goal in Turkey’s 3-1 victory over Georgia.

Meanwhile, England’s coach Gareth Southgate faces tactical decisions for their Euro 2024 campaign. The debate centers around integrating Phil Foden, who has excelled at Manchester City, with Bellingham and the rest of the midfield. Southgate may retain an unchanged side for the upcoming match against Denmark, relying on Foden and Trent Alexander-Arnold’s partnership with Declan Rice in central midfield.