Borussia Dortmund’s England midfielder Jude Bellingham has been named the Bundesliga player of the season.
Bellingham, 19, was key in his side’s title challenge but a 2-2 draw with Mainz on the final day of the season saw them lose out to Bayern Munich.
He scored eight goals and provided five assists in 31 league appearances this season as Dortmund finished runners-up.
“Every year that I’ve played at the club my responsibility has increased,” said Bellingham.
“I have to continue to be everywhere on the pitch and try my best to contribute going forwards and backwards and try and control games and dominate the midfield.
“My team-mates, the coaches and the staff have helped me to develop. I came to the club as a talented lad but I have added elements to my game that have taken it to the next level and I think that’s down to them, mainly.”
Bellingham is being tipped to join Real Madrid this summer in a deal worth more than 100m euros.
Last month, Liverpool dropped out of the race to sign the teenager because of the cost involved but Premier League champions Manchester City are still believed to be interested.
He joined Dortmund from Birmingham City in 2020 for £25m and has made over 130 appearances for the club.
Bellingham has won 24 caps for England and was one of the stand-out performers for Gareth Southgate’s side in their run to the quarter-finals at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
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