Real Madrid 'leader' Jude Bellingham tipped to shine against Manchester City

Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham has the maturity and "big personality" to be decisive in their Champions League quarter-final against Manchester City, according to defender Antonio Rudiger.

Tuesday's first-leg tie at the Bernabeu presents the curious scenario of the England national team's brightest talent lining up against the English champions in the colours of the Spanish giants.

Despite being only 20, Bellingham has already shown himself to be the man for the big occasion and there is not much bigger than high-stakes knockout football in Europe's elite club competition.

Bellingham, who Rudiger describes as being "like he has seen everything in life", has taken Spanish football by storm this season, scoring 20 goals and registering 10 assists in 32 games for Los Blancos, since arriving from Borussia Dortmund last summer.

Eight of those goal involvements – four goals and as many assists – have come in the Champions League, and Rudiger insists "fantastic player" Bellingham is here to stay.

"The way he handles himself is very good – he's 20 years old but if you talk to him it is already like he has seen everything in life. He's very old for his age," said Rudiger.

"I'm sure he is going to be a leader for [England]. For his age he is already very mature. He's just professional in everything he does.

"About skills, we don't need to talk – just need to hope and pray he stays healthy. Outside of the pitch I'm not worried because he has great parents, they do a great job and keep him with both feet on the ground. He is a fantastic player.

"To be honest I was a bit surprised because I didn't know much about him but, wow. He's a big personality already in our locker room, which is massive."

While acknowledging it will be a