Kalvin Phillips has directed vast amount of praise towards England colleague and potentially Chelsea bound Jude Bellingham.
Speaking on the BBC Monday Night Club, the Manchester City midfielder had nothing but kind words to say about his dazzling compatriot.
Phillips became well acquainted with Bellingham whilst they shared a dressing room during the European Championships last summer.
The pair helped Gareth Southgate’s side reach the final at Wembley, where they eventually fell short to Italy.
Both will be hoping to reach another international finale in just over a months’ time, with the World Cup looming large on the horizon.
But whilst one is guaranteed to be on the plane, the other is waiting nervously for Southgate’s verdict about the 26-man squad.
Phillips and Bellingham braced for World Cup call-up
Injuries preventing, Bellingham will be part of the travelling pack.
Meanwhile, injuries are quite literally denying Phillips a ticket on board England’s flight.
He has played just three times since joining Pep Guardiola in Manchester due to a significant shoulder problem.
The 26-year-old might have to give up his seat for someone readily available like Bellingham.
Yet, despite potentially fighting for the same place, Phillips held no hard feelings towards Dortmund’s talented teenager.
“You literally cannot tell anybody how rubbish Jude Bellingham is, because he’s been absolutely unbelievable,” said the former Leeds United man.
“I saw him the other week when we played Dortmund, and for a kid that age doing the things what he is doing is unbelievable.
“Credit to him because he’s worked hard. When I first got into the (England) team, Jude was there on the bench and he was dying to play and I kept on saying to him he’ll get his moment.
“He’ll definitely get his moment at the World Cup and I hope he does really well as well.”
Is Bellingham Chelsea bound?
Phillips may have to watch Bellingham strut his stuff in Qatar from his sofa at home.
He may also be able to witness the young midfielder on Match of the Day next season.
Chelsea are reportedly prepared to go guns blazing for Bellingham’s signature in the summer transfer window.
This could set Todd Boehly back £135m, a huge dent in the bank that is possibly going to be dipped into in January.
Is Jude worth all the jewels? Let’s chat again after the World Cup…
Receive a digest of our best Chelsea content each week direct to your mailbox
