Liverpool winger Rio Ngumoha has lauded Real Madrid superstar Jude Bellingham as 'the best midfielder in the world'. He said he wants to follow in his compatriot's footsteps.
Bellingham has been exceptional for England, scoring 14 goals and providing 15 assists in 59 games across competitions. He has also been exceptional for Real Madrid since joining them from Borussia Dortmund. He has recorded 49 goals and 36 assists in 148 games for them, winning multiple trophies.
Ngumoha, meanwhile, has now made two senior appearances for England. He was asked about Bellingham ahead of their clash against Croatia on Saturday, October 3, and he told ITV Football:
"Jude is 23, I think, and already he's probably the best midfielder in the world at this point. He definitely believed that he would play in an England shirt at 17, same as Wayne Rooney, what he's done for his club and his country, hopefully I can do the same. It's going to be a good journey, I think."
Ngumoha joined Liverpool's academy from Chelsea's academy in 2024. He has made 35 senior appearances for the Reds, scoring two goals and providing one assist.
Roy Keane claims Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham can become one of the greatest in the world
Roy Keane lauded Real Madrid superstar Jude Bellingham after he helped England beat Croatia 7-0. He hailed the midfielder's progress and claimed that he could become one of the greatest of all time.
The Three Lions faced Croatia away in the UEFA Nations League on Saturday, October 3. They handed the hosts their heaviest defeat ever, beating them 7-0. Bellingham scored one goal, provided three assists, and delivered an excellent performance.
After the game, Keane heaped praise on the Real Madrid superstar, and said on ITV Football (h/t Metro):
"The way he is progressing as a player, I still think there’s so much more to come from him, but I think at this moment in time, he’s an amazing footballer. The package, his running power, his delivery, his goal threat. I just think there’s more to come from him in terms of his leadership skills, his technical ability is fantastic."
"I think Bellingham, he can go on to be one of the greatest players of all time as long as he gets no injuries, he keeps the head," he added.
Bellingham has now scored 14 goals and provided 15 assists in 59 games for England. He has started the 2026-27 season in good form, recording three goals and three assists in seven LaLiga games for Real Madrid.