Real Madrid News
Germany legend on Jude Bellingham’s impact at Real Madrid: “Surprised by the number of goals”
Only a shoulder injury has managed to keep Jude Bellingham out of action for Real Madrid and away from the scoresheet this season. Such is the influence of the youngster at the club that, in a short span, he has proven to be the first name on Carlo Ancelotti’s lineup.
In eleven league starts for Los Blancos, the youngster has scored a staggering ten goals and assisted a further two. He also has three goals and an assist to his name in the UEFA Champions League.
Bellingham’s strong start to life at a new club has seen reactions pour in from all over the globe. In a recent interview, German legend and former Ballon d’Or winner Lothar Matthaus weighed in on the youngster’s phenomenal start to life at Real Madrid.
Unlike most pundits who opted to heap praise on the latest Golden Boy winner, however, Matthaus attributed his success to the overall quality at Real Madrid.
“[Both teams] Play differently. At Dortmund, he was the leader, and being so young there was a lot of pressure to carry. In Madrid, they have another seven or eight players of similar quality to Bellingham, although of a different type.”
He went on to add that it was easier to play in the colours of Real Madrid over the Bundesliga in a statement that could prove to be rather controversial.
“It is easier for him to play at Real Madrid than at Dortmund, because his teammates play better, although I am surprised by the number of goals he is scoring.”
The 20-year-old was initially called up for international duty by England for the current hiatus despite his shoulder dislocation.
They hoped to recover his services in time for the second game of the break but released the player back to Madrid eventually out of precaution.
Bellingham is expected to be fit and ready for Real Madrid’s game against Cadiz right after the international break.
Source: Mundo Deportivo
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
