Real Madrid News
Barcelona legend hails Real Madrid talisman Jude Bellingham: “He is a complete player”
Former Barcelona defender Gerard Pique has said that Real Madrid summer recruit Jude Bellingham is a complete player, adding that he has everything a top player should possess.
Bellingham has made quite an impact ever since joining Real Madrid from Borussia Dortmund, scoring 13 goals in 14 outings.
Now, a lot has been said about Bellingham’s display but the comments coming from a former Barcelona player, who has never shied away from putting Madrid under bad light says a lot about the midfielder’s quality.
“Bellingham? A great player, ugh, very complete, he has everything,” he told journalist Jordi Baste on RAC1 as quoted by SPORT.
Furthermore, he also has some words reserved for Vinicius Jr, against whom he has played quite a few times.
“I’ve always liked playing against players like him. You had to be very focused, but what sets me off are the challenges. But life is all about stages,” he explained.
Pique’s thoughts on Real Madrid
Pique was asked by Baste whether he is still keeping tabs on the title charge, especially Real Madrid’s, to which he said:
“Madrid I no longer follow. When you’re out of the circle I’m only interested in whether Barça wins.”
On the other hand, he still did not seem convinced about Real Madrid despite retiring from professional football in November 2022.
When asked about Los Blancos, he said that the main difference between them and Barcelona is that the record European champions will be happy with any sort of win.
“Winning at the last minute is not worth it; in Madrid, they would be delighted and here we think that it was not played well.”
He also said that although Madrid will somehow find a way to crack the UEFA Champions League code, they are a team that will not be remembered.
“Real Madrid will reach the decisive moment of the Champions League. I always say it: our way of doing things and how we push ourselves when we win, it is remembered forever.
“The last one they won was a miracle, but it will not be remembered,” he added.
Real Madrid are back in the Champions League following their impressive win against Cadiz on the weekend as they host Napoli at the Santiago Bernabeu for gameweek five.
They have already secured qualification to the round of 16, and even a point today would secure first place in the group.
With several players still injured, Carlo Ancelotti has opted for his best available starting lineup, with Daniel Carvajal taking responsibility of the captain’s armband at right-back. He will be aided by Ferland Mendy, who starts on the other side.
Meanwhile, in between them, David Alaba returns to the fold as the starting centre-back, partnering Antonio Rudiger. This duo has the responsibility of screening Andriy Lunin, who continues in goal in Kepa and Thibaut Courtois’ absence.
With both Eduardo Camavinga and Aurelien Tchouameni out, Toni Kroos gets the chance to play as the holding midfielder for two games in a row. Federico Valverde retains his spot, as well, while Dani Ceballos comes in for the injured Luka Modric in central midfield.
Rodrygo will spearhead the team’s frontline as one of the two twin forwards, while Brahim Diaz gets the nod over Joselu. Jude Bellingham is the final, and arguably the most important piece of the puzzle, playing behind the front-two.
📋✅ Our starting 𝗫𝗜!
— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) November 29, 2023
🆚 @en_sscnapoli #UCL pic.twitter.com/MarLb7TavA
Confirmed Madrid XI: Lunin; Carvajal, Rudiger, Alaba, Mendy; Valverde, Kroos, Ceballos; Bellingham; Diaz, Rodrygo
