Bundesliga
"Jude Bellingham is world class" - Jadon Sancho
Jadon Sancho has praised the impact teenager Jude Bellingham has made since joining Borussia Dortmund in the summer.
Bellingham has established himself as a first-team fixture at Dortmund in double-quick time following his summer transfer from English Championship outfit Birmingham City.
The 17-year-old has featured in 11 of BVB's 12 competitive fixtures so far in 2020/21, starting four of the club's seven Bundesliga assignments and debuting in the UEFA Champions League group stage.
Watch: Jude Bellingham and Borussia Dortmund's teenaged dreamers
Bellingham, who was named the Bundesliga's Rookie of the Month for September, was rewarded for his efforts with a maiden England call-up for the November internationals, and made his debut as a second-half substitute in the Three Lions' 3-0 friendly win over the Republic of Ireland.
For Sancho, the teenaged midfielder fully merits his place in the Dortmund and England senior sides.
"He's earned it," commented Sancho after scoring against Ireland. "At Dortmund, he gives 110 percent, his performances are world class. I'm delighted for him."
Sancho was also 17 when he joined Dortmund from Manchester City in summer 2017. He has since established himself as one of world football's brightest talents, a fully fledged England international and mentor to Bellingham.
"International football is the pinnacle of football and to be able to do it alongside Jadon, who has helped me a lot this season, is very good for us both," explained Bellingham following his 17-minute cameo at Wembley Stadium.
"It's been amazing. I've learned so much. I'm picking up little bits all the time."
Bellingham will have the opportunity to continue his footballing education when England face Belgium and Iceland in UEFA Nations League Group A2, before returning to domestic action with Dortmund as his country's third-youngest senior debutant (17 years and 137 days).
"It was a special moment for him and his family," commented England head coach Gareth Southgate following the ROI game.
"The longer he got in and the more touches he got the more confident he got. It was exactly what we hoped to be able to give him - some training with the team, experience of working with top professionals and then a small taste of the game which will be really good for his development."