Jude Bellingham Is "The Best Player In The World Right Now", Says Former England Defender

Former England defender Joleon Lescott believes that Jude Bellingham is "the best player in the world right now" and that "he could win the Ballon d'Or".

Former England defender Joleon Lescott believes that Jude Bellingham is "the best player in the world right now".

Midfielder Bellingham - who has been capped 26 times by England despite only being 20 years of age - has made an incredible start to life at Real Madrid, after joining the Spanish club from Borussia Dortmund in June.

He has scored 10 goals and provided three assists in his first 10 games for Madrid.

Jude Bellingham is the top scorer in La Liga so far this season :: IMAGO/ZUMA Wire/William Volcov

Speaking to the Daily Mail, Lescott - who played for England 26 times between 2007 and 2013 - said of Bellingham: "Jude's one of the most exciting talents if not the most exciting talent in the world.

"He's the best player in the world right now."

Lescott would not be surprised if Bellingham led England to glory at Euro 2024 in Germany next summer.

"I'm optimistic for the tournament," he said. "It will be a group of players going there with a high level of confidence.

"This is as exciting as it gets for an England fan with the quality and squad we've got."

Bellingham is already a key player for England at the age of 20 :: IMAGO/Moritz Muller

Lescott added: "Jude's had a huge impact at Real Madrid and that's incredible to think from a boy who's come from Birmingham.

"As a human he's impressive as well, not just as a footballer, he's someone you can look up to and admire.

"He's carrying himself well and delivering on the pitch. He understands the game at a level he shouldn't at his age.

"Long may it continue for himself and England because he could win the Ballon d'Or and that would be a huge thing for England."

The Ballon d'Or award has only been won by an Englishman four times.

Bobby Charlton claimed the prize in 1966, Kevin Keegan won it in 1978 and 1979, before Michael Owen received the award in 2001.