Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham on top - Wayne Rooney highlights his brilliance

Former England striker Wayne Rooney has hailed Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham as the best player at the World Cup so far. Bellingham, just 23 years old, is leading the race for most goals in the tournament with six.

Bellingham's impressive form has seen him level with Harry Kane atop the Golden Boot standings, with both needing just two more goals to become top scorer in a single major tournament. Rooney, speaking on his podcast The Wayne Rooney Show, praised Bellingham’s energy and desire, describing him as a ‘genius’ moments one moment and ‘dangerous’ in tackles the next.

According to reporting by BBC Sport - Top Stories

Bellingham’s Performance Makes Him a Legend

Real Madrid team-mate Kylian Mbappe is currently ahead of Bellingham with 12 goals, but Rooney believes the young England star has still hit world-class levels. Bellingham has scored at major tournaments as well as in other international matches, averaging one goal or assist every 138 minutes.

Kane's Crucial Role for England

England’s run to the semi-finals largely owes to Kane and Bellingham, who together have accounted for 12 of their team's 13 goals. However, Rooney sees Argentina center-backs facing a formidable player in Kane, predicting his skill as a nightmare for defenders.

Bellingham could surpass Mbappe if scoring against Argentina - Rooney

Frequently Asked Questions

Who named Jude Bellingham the best player at the World Cup?

Former England footballer Wayne Rooney praised Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham as the best performer in the current tournament.

How many goals does Bellingham need to catch Mbappe and Messi in the Golden Boot race?

Bellingham has two more goals than both Kylian Mbappe and Lionel Messi, currently leading the scoring charts.

Who is Jude Bellingham's biggest challenge in the upcoming semi-final against Argentina?

Rooney believes Bellingham will face a tough test from center-backs Cristian Romero and Lisandro Martinez, both of whom struggle to deal with Kane.