Best position? Jude Bellingham explains how his style has evolved over the years as he reveals admiration for Real Madrid veterans Luka Modric & Toni Kroos

The England international midfielder burst onto the senior scene at Birmingham when he was just 16 years of age. He was considered to be a box-to-box performer back then, with his energy in the middle of the park attracting interest from across Europe.

A similar role was filled at Borussia Dortmund, but Bellingham has become more of a goalscorer at Real Madrid – and with the Three Lions. He has said of the changes in his game: “When I was at Dortmund for three years, first year I played more like a No.6. The last two years were more like a No.8. This year, it has been like a No.10. I think people are trying very hard to put a stamp on my role and want to call it something specific. I think it’s just a free-roaming midfielder, really.”

Bellingham can push a little higher up the field in Madrid as he has plenty of cover behind him. Veteran stars Modric and Kroos have filled those roles at Santiago Bernabeu for several years, with the Croatian and German legends still a source of inspiration to those around them. Bellingham added on the skills that he can learn from talented team-mates in Spain: “Toni Kroos and Luka Modric play a totally different game. They see things before they happen on the pitch and always seem to be so calm.”

Bellingham has become a superstar in his own right, as a Kopa Trophy and Golden Boy winner, with there still plenty of potential for him to unlock at 20 years of age. Madrid are benefiting from that at present, with the hottest of prospects reaching 20 goals in his debut campaign with the Blancos.