Bellingham made his 10th successive international start at Wembley Stadium, playing 86 minutes as Gareth Southgate’s continued their 100 per cent start.
He is widely expected to seal a big-money transfer away from Borussia Dortmund this summer, with Liverpool, United, Manchester City and Real Madrid in the frame.
And despite standing next to his boyhood idol Steven Gerrard after full-time, his comments may not bode well for Liverpool fans hoping he arrives at Anfield at the end of the season.
Speaking to Channel 4, he hinted his priority is to learn from world-class midfielders: “I think there’s so much I’ve got to learn.
“The way I want to be as a midfielder is someone who can win the game at both ends of the pitch.
“In the middle, to dominate the ball as a six, as an eight, making the runs into the box, and as a 10. Creating chances as well.
“I’ve always wanted to be someone who can do a bit of everything. I think I’ve still got so much to learn, but you have the best chance with the guys in that [England] changing room and the ones at Dortmund.
“I’m like a sponge at the minute, to be honest. I just want to take everything in at any chance I get to learn about the game.”
Bellingham has flourished into one of Europe’s top midfielders this season, but he has been hailed for the humble nature of his interview. He is still hungry to learn.
However, Jurgen Klopp’s ageing midfield ranks are a shadow of his former engine room.
Fabinho, Jordan Henderson and Thiago are past their best days, while Naby Keita, James Milner and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain are preparing to become free agents in July.
If a crucial factor of Bellingham’s decision is where he can learn from the best, Anfield suddenly doesn’t pose as an enticing destination.
Meanwhile, United boast three midfielders elite in different aspects of the game in Casemiro, Christian Eriksen and Bruno Fernandes.
Man City’s ranks speak for themselves, but Real could also suffer the same issue as Liverpool if Luka Modric and Toni Kroos join Casemiro in departing in the coming months.
Erik ten Hag is expected to target another new midfielder this summer, and United are reportedly ready to battle for Bellingham’s signature.
But doubts about Liverpool’s hopes of matching Dortmund’s £110million valuation will likely be worsened by his desire to learn from the best in class. That isn’t something Klopp’s midfield can offer anymore.
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