JUDE HAS MESSI MAGIC IN ABUNDANCE

JUDE BELLINGHAM can be England's answer to Lionel Messi in Germany, says Luther Blissett.

- Alex WOOD

The midfielder, 20, enjoyed a stunning debut campaign at Real Madrid.

He bagged 23 goals in all competitions for Carlo Ancelotti's men - and won La Liga and the Champions League - having signed from Borussia Dortmund only last summer.

Real handed over in excess of £100million to secure his services.

And the move came just three seasons after Dortmund coughed up £25m to draft him in from Birmingham in a deal that made him the most expensive 17-yearold ever.

Blissett (above), who moved to AC Milan from Watford for £1m in 1983, reckons Bellingham's European adventure is helping him to develop into one of the finest midfielders of his generation.

"Playing abroad gives you another insight into the game," said the former striker, who holds Watford's all-time records for appearances and goals, having played 503 games and scored 186 goals.

"In Italy, I found it was all about not giving goals away and the Italians were brilliant at that.

"For the Spanish, it's about creativity and movement across midfield.