'He's a special guy' - Jude Bellingham has 'big talent and a big heart' as Marco Reus reveals he was 'immediately' amazed by Real Madrid star at Borussia Dortmund

Bellingham has developed into a superstar since his breakthrough at Birmingham, but it is fair to say that he was particularly shaped by his spell in Germany, where he played 132 times and registered 48 goal involvements. Reus has now claimed that he felt the midfielder would become a star "immediately" after seeing him in training.

Bellingham has gone on to win the Champions League and La Liga with Real, and has 58 goal involvements in just 81 games since his move to La Liga. Reus, by comparison, is now playing in MLS for LA Galaxy at the age of 35.

Reus told Hayters: “I would say this guy was 17 or 18 when he came to Dortmund. I saw immediately he had the strength and power and quality to play for this club. He wanted to play always and give his life for the club. I saw immediately he had big talent and a big heart. Now you can see it in Madrid he has huge quality. The stats speak for themselves, especially last year.”

He added: “He was not scared to train or play with us.

“He’s special and the people of Dortmund loved him because he was working hard and people really appreciated those efforts. He showed it every game and every training. He’s a special guy for sure.”

Bellingham will next be in action when Madrid face Leganes in La Liga on Saturday evening.