Mats Hummels has hailed Jude Bellingham's leadership qualities and described his Borussia Dortmund team-mate as 'the most mature 18-year-old player I have ever seen'.
The teenage midfielder has enjoyed a promising start to the season, with two goals and four assists in his first eight matches of the season for Dortmund, while he impressed during England's 4-0 World Cup qualifying win over Andorra this month.
As Bellingham's stock continues to rise in European football, Dortmund defender Hummels claims the 18-year-old 'leads the way' in the German side's dressing room due to how loud he is.
Hummels, who has played for Germany's biggest teams and its national side, told DAZN: 'He is the most mature 18-year-old player I have ever seen. Jude is already someone who leads the way and he's also one of the loudest in the team.
'He's a great kid, I think I've told him about 25 times now that I just love him.'
After his debut campaign at Dortmund last season, which earned him a call-up to England's Euro 2020 squad, Bellingham has started this season in explosive fashion.
The midfielder picked up an assist in Dortmund's German Super Cup defeat to Bayern Munich, before scoring and setting another goal cup in matches against Hoffenheim in the Bundesliga and Besiktas in the Champions League.
Bellingham has yet to score or provide an assist for England yet but he will become the youngest Three Lions player to reach ten caps if he plays in two out of his country's three World Cup qualifiers in October.
It is not just at club level where Bellingham is picking up praise, as his England team-mate Jordan Henderson also hailed him while on international duty with Gareth Southhgate's side earlier this month.
'Jude is a fantastic player,' said Henderson, who does not usually hand out compliments so readily. 'Even at such a young age, he shows fantastic maturity on and off the field. You can see how hungry he is to be a top player and has all the attributes to do that.
'I tried to help as much as I could but, to be honest, he is a top player who has shown that in the big games for Dortmund. I see him going from strength to strength all the time.
'I don't want to praise him too much and put too much pressure on him but he's got a very good head on his shoulders.
'I'm told he has good people around him and a good family, and you can see that is an important part of him.
'I think he will be a top player going forward. I watch him for Dortmund and the way he performs is outstanding.'
ManUnited-Red
3
he is a talented young player