West Ham captain Declan Rice has hailed the potential of England teammate Jude Bellingham.
The Borussia Dortmund man made a deep impression on the squad — many say a sign of his maturity comes from how he is speaking to different players rather than those of his own age.
“He’s 19 but he’s got the body of a 28-year-old — he’s a man!” Rice enthused.
“He thinks like a man, plays like a man and shows personality and character. He’s the future of English football for the next 15 years if he wants to be.
“He is top lad as well — he really pushes you on the pitch. We push each other on and it’s a privilege to play next to him. I’m still only 23!
“I’ve been around and played so many more games than he has but you can just tell as a 19-year-old what he brings to the team already, the energy he’s got.
“Jude can play in a holding 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. Every time I play with Jude we’re building that connection.
“Hopefully he keeps flourishing. I say to him, ‘You go and bomb on and attack and I’ll sit here and defend for you!’
“He’s a young man with an old head, really. All the lads love him.
“I don’t think I’ve seen anyone as good as he is for 19. He’s got the whole package.”
