Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has found it difficult to compare Jude Bellingham and Zinedine Zidane, stressing both players have their unique abilities.
Bellingham continued his scintillating start to life at the Santiago Bernabeu with a goal and assist in Los Blancos’ 4-2 win over Napoli in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday night which guaranteed they finish top spot in Group C with one game left to go.
It took Bellingham’s tally to 15 goals and four assists in all competitions this season with Ancelotti noting how the 20-year-old has gotten along so well with his teammates. The Italian tactician however noted on the need for the former Borussia Dortmund player to improve on his learning of Spanish language.
“He’s serious, professional and he has adapted very well in the dressing room,” Ancelotti told the club website.
“He works hard and gets on very well with the others. He needs to improve his Spanish. Nobody’s perfect.
“It’s difficult to compare him with Zidane. They’re two different generations. Bellingham has an ability to get into the box that Zidane didn’t have and Zidane had an individual quality that Bellingham doesn’t have. Modern football requires players who are physically strong and able to cover a lot of ground quickly.”
Jude is different. pic.twitter.com/eKbq4WfPi7
— Real Madrid C.F. ???????????????? (@realmadriden) November 29, 2023
Ancelotti also described Bellingham as a “gift for football” and hopes to see him maintain his consistency.
“He surprises every day and in every game. Not only us but everybody,” the former AC Milan manager continued.
“He’s a gift for football. His teammates and the fans are delighted with him and the whole football world, who see a player with this potential and this positive image.
“I hope he can continue like this. I don’t want to go into how much money he has cost, but he’s been a wonderful signing. We have to bear in mind that he is 20 years old. He’s the ideal player for today’s football: he has intensity and he covers the field quickly.”
Bellingham will be looking to continue his goalscoring exploits when Real Madrid host Granada in La Liga on Saturday.
