Jude Bellingham is already England's most complete midfielder

Jude Bellingham proved, with his performances against Man City in the Champions League, that he is England's most complete midfielder.

What makes that statement absurd is that Jude Bellingham is only 17 years old. Seventeen.

Bellingham isn't old enough to treat himself to a pint in the United Kingdom, or even buy himself a copy of Grand Theft Auto. Oh and he was also just three days old when David Beckham completed his transfer to Real Madrid. Just a little bit of context to make you feel painfully old.

For all the negativity that has surrounded Borussia Dortmund as of late with their BuLi form falling off a cliff, and the futures of both Jadon Sancho and Erling Haaland up in the air, they must be credited for the work they're doing to allow young talents to thrive.

It's one thing spotting a young player and snapping them up, but getting them to reach their potential level is an entirely different challenge and often the pitfall of a youngster making the big move. Dortmund continue to provide that platform for young players, acting as the big club they can grow up with, often before they move onto bigger and better things.

The 17-year-old has already racked up well over 30 appearances in his first season with the club, which in itself is impressive considering he arrived from the English second tier.

He hasn't shied away in those games either.

His combative style has translated across to Germany. Bellingham sits in the 94th percentile for expected assists per 90, and averages 22.6 pressures per 90 as well as 2.4 blocks per 90. Combine that with his effectiveness in bringing play forward from midfield and getting on the ball around the penalty area, and you have a nearly perfect midfielder - already.

It is perhaps Bellingham's mental attributes that make his game what it is though. Plenty of young stars have technical ability in abundance and can manipulate the ball as they please, but doing that at a huge football club and continually impressing in the Champions League is a different beast entirely.

The teenager's progression and sheer ability gives Gareth Southgate very little excuse not to take him to Euro 2020, especially with creative, ball-playing midfielders who can also track back and help out defensively being at such a premium.

Tournament experience is invaluable for young players, and Bellingham going to the Euros - even as a rotational piece - could help Bellingham get to the next level.