Many are talking about Ballon d'Or: Ex-Liverpool star slams Jude Bellingham

Former Liverpool star Didi Hamann has criticized England midfielder Jude Bellingham, saying he doesn't consider him the world's best footballer.

Hamann believes England manager Gareth Southgate should drop Bellingham from the starting lineup and replace him with Phil Foden in midfield, with Cole Palmer and Anthony Gordon on the flanks.

In his column for Sky Germany, Hamann stated: "Between Phil Foden and Jude Bellingham, only one can play, and for me, that would be Foden. For me, you have to take Bellingham out, Foden in the middle, and then Cole Palmer and Anthony Gordon on the flanks."

Hamann also expressed his disappointment with Bellingham's performances, saying: "Bellingham was hyped after his first six months in Madrid. But he has only performed averagely for Real since Christmas.

"In the Champions League, he was barely seen in the quarter-finals, semi-finals, and final. That's why I'm not surprised by his performances at the European Championships.

"Many are talking about the Ballon d'Or, but I don't see him as a world [best] footballer at the moment."