Bellingham in EA Sports Team of the Year

The announcement caps a superb 12 months for the England international, whose outstanding displays for club and country in 2022 at times beggared belief for a player still in his late teens. Among the highlights for the ex-Birmingham City star were captaining Dortmund on two occasions and helping England to the FIFA World Cup quarter finals in Qatar, where he scored his first senior international goal.

“I’m just learning every year and trying to use whatever experience I’ve had and the experiences of other people I speak to to improve my game,” Bellingham recently said in an interview with Dortmund’s official website. “My teammates, the coach and the staff have helped me to develop. I came here as a talented youngster, but I’ve added elements to my game, taken it to the next level.”

Watch: Jude Bellingham - the complete midfielder

Bellingham’s mature and assured on-field displays brought praise from all quarters in 2022. He featured in 32 Bundesliga games during that time, weighing in with three goals and five assists while he has been ever present in the Black-and-Yellow’s latest top-flight campaign. The 2022 Best FIFA Men's Player award nominee also made history when he became the youngest Englishman to register five UEFA Champions League goals.

“I always think when I’m on the pitch that whether it’s a goal or an assist, I can influence the game,” Bellingham said recently.  His place among the elite of the EA Sports Team of the Year is yet more recognition of the magnificent midfielder’s status among the footballing elite.

Bellingham and his BVB teammates get their 2022/23 Bundesliga challenge back underway with a Matchday 16 fixture against Augsburg on Sunday.