Explained: Why ‘throwback’ Jude Bellingham was always going to be a Real Madrid 'Galactico' as James Maddison talks up ‘scary’ talent of England team-mate

The 20-year-old midfielder completed a €103 million (£88m/$112m) transfer to Santiago Bernabeu during the summer window of 2023. Big things were expected of him in Spain, but Bellingham has exceeded all expectations. He is already breaking records previously posted by Cristiano Ronaldo, with 15 goals recorded through just 17 appearances.

Maddison, who has worked alongside Bellingham in the Three Lions camp, has told Amazon Prime of why the 2023 Golden Boy winner was destined to shine as a Real Madrid ‘Galactico’: “I think I’m his biggest fan. He just loves footy. He’s a Midlands boy. It’s scary to think how young he is. He’s a throwback. He’s a top player and is going to get better and better. I just had no doubt (that he’d succeed), because of his mentality. He’s got a 30-year-old mentality of a Premier League veteran who’s played 600 league games.. the way he carries himself and the way he speaks, it’s of the highest order.”

Maddison is competing for minutes with Bellingham in Gareth Southgate’s England plans, with the Three Lions blessed with an abundance of creative midfield talents at present. Both men will be hoping to form part of a star-studded squad at next summer’s European Championship in Germany.

For now, Maddison is working his way back from a serious ankle injury at Tottenham – which could keep him out until the spring of 2024 – while Bellingham is managing a shoulder complaint at Real Madrid that may require surgery at some stage.

Prime Video is broadcasting 20 Premier League fixtures this season, including a full round of fixtures in December, featuring matches such as Luton vs Arsenal, Spurs vs West Ham, Manchester United vs Chelsea and Aston Villa vs Manchester City – plus every Boxing Day match.