Jobe Bellingham is the 17-year-old talent emerging from his superstar brother’s shadow

As a star of the world game who is coveted by Real Madrid before he is even out of his teens, Jude Bellingham is a tough act to follow for any young player – not least his younger brother.

It would be unfair to measure Jobe Bellingham’s development against that of Jude, who is two years older. But after producing an accomplished display in Birmingham’s 1-0 win at Millwall last week, excitement is growing about what the 17-year-old can achieve.

Bellingham Jnr has always been comfortable on the ball and technically sound, which is why he prefers the No 10 role. At a notoriously difficult venue and on only his second Championship start, Bellingham was at the heart of Blues’ best attacking moves. It was a skilful, mature performance and there is much for him to build on.

‘There’s a lot of pressure on Jobe because of who his brother is,’ said manager John Eustace. ‘We have to protect him, and I have to protect him. We don’t want to throw him in too much too early. Throughout the season he has got vital minutes at the right times.

‘To come here in a really hostile atmosphere against a very good team, I thought he was outstanding. I thought he controlled the game at times.

‘For such a young boy he showed great maturity and put his foot on the ball and slowed it down at the right time.

‘He is only going to get better, but it’s important we do it in the right way.

‘It’s my job to develop this really special group of young players – and they all play in the same position.

‘George Hall has matured throughout the season, he’s been a stand-out player for us without a shadow of a doubt.’

Bellingham’s contract expires at the end of next season and there are a number of clubs following his progress.

He has long had admirers in the Bundesliga, including at Jude’s club Borussia Dortmund, and the move to Germany has worked spectacularly for the family already.

But the Bellinghams retain close ties with Blues and whatever happens next must work for both parties.

Jobe is one of three youngsters with similar playing styles – Jordan James and George Hall are the others.

At this stage Hall looks the pick of the three but if managed correctly, they should provide a nest egg for a club often hampered by financial problems.

Understandably, Jobe dislikes the comparisons with his brother but they will be difficult to avoid. Like Jude, Jobe trained with the first team while still at school, once admitting that he would be spending a day away from training revising for an exam. Like Jude, he is self-assured beyond his years, at ease with senior professionals and able to return their wisecracks with his own.

To expect him to have Jude’s career would be wrong. Because by 16, Jude had reached a level very few players can attain, establishing himself as one of the best players outside the Premier League before he was old enough to turn professional, and attracting the attention of the best clubs in Europe.

Jude made 37 senior appearances for Blues before his 17th birthday and signed for Dortmund in summer 2020 for £30million. He is now an England starter who is one of the best in his role and will cost in excess of £100m when he moves. Set against those numbers, virtually every teenage footballer would be found wanting.

That does not stop Jobe being one of the most talented players of his age outside the top flight. He is making his mark and if his efforts at Millwall are a guide, this is only the beginning.