Jude Bellingham is one of the most sought-after midfielders in Europe. English media have already linked the young BVB star with a move to Liverpool FC. For former Reds captain and current Aston Villa coach Steven Gerrard, Bellingham is currently one of the six best players in the world at his position. In May, the Liverpool icon ranked the Borussia Dortmund pro alongside Kevin de Bruyne and other stars. Now Bellingham, who had previously described Gerrard as one of his childhood idols, responded to the praise. "It was a bit surreal, to be honest," the England international revealed to Channel 4 ahead of the Nations League match against Italy. Bellingham elaborated, "Someone sent me the clip on my phone and I immediately saved it and watched it three or four times, then I had to calm down." For the 15-time international, "When one of your heroes says something like that, it's a real honor." BVB paid around 25 million euros for Bellingham around two years ago. At Dortmund, the 19-year-old has already matured into a leading player despite his young age. In the current season, he has been on the pitch for the entire duration of all ten competitive matches. However, Bellingham suffered a 1-0 defeat to Italy with the Three Lions on Friday, which also sealed their relegation from the A-League in the Nations League.