Roy Keane has claimed Jude Bellingham is England's best player ahead of their World Cup quarter final against France on Saturday.
The 19-year-old has impressed so far in the tournament, scoring the opening goal in the Three Lions' opening fixture against Iran before laying on the assist for J ordan Henderson's goal in their 3-0 win against Senegal in the last-16. He also played a crucial role in the second goal, gliding through the Senegalese midfield before playing in Phil Foden who found Harry Kane who slotted home.
Such performances have served to amplify the speculation surrounding the former Birmingham City youth player, with the star drawing admiring glances from across the world of football. PSG chief executive Nasser Al-Khelafi declared "What a player," when asked about the Borussia Dortmund midfielder in an interview with Sky Sports earlier this week.
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Liverpool are believed to be leading the way for Bellingham, with the club's hierarchy having targeted the player and he is said to be available for £85 million and £130 million. The star has impressed at all levels this season, having captained Dortmund while also scoring four goals in six Champions League group stage appearances for the Black and Yellow.
Now, former Manchester United captain Roy Keane has also praised the young star, with the ITV pundit claiming that Bellingham is he player who has impressed him the most from England so far during the tournament.
Speaking to Sky Bet , Keane said: “Jude Bellingham has impressed me the most from England – to do what he’s doing at 19 years of age and compare it to myself; he is so far ahead. The environment he’s had, the traits he has – he comes across as a good guy. His decision making as a young player by going to Germany and turning down clubs like Manchester United, he is very mature for his age.
“He will have a big decision to make in the next year about the future of his career, but he must focus on the games coming up. He has had such an impact on the games England have played so far, controlling the field, and it is really not an easy position to play at such a young age.”
Keane also said that he wouldn't be surprised if England were to beat France and reach the quarter-finals. However, he reiterated that the 2018 winners were favourites heading into the match, saying: “I’m going to stick with France to get to the semi-final, but it wouldn’t surprise me if England beat them. England have a better squad, and better options off the bench. Antoine Griezmann is a brilliant player, but England will cause them all sorts of problems. England’s attacking players will get a bit of joy.”
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