Real Madrid News
Jude Bellingham talks Kroos, Pintus, Vazquez, Brahim Diaz: “Just enjoy being around them”
Real Madrid have stacked their midfield with serious talent ahead of the 2023-24 season. Arda Guler and Jude Bellingham are two of the world’s brightest young talents in the middle of the park and will both be available at Carlo Ancelotti’s disposal next season.
The Englishman, however, is the one who walks in under more pressure. With a hefty price tag pinned to his name, he enters the season with an immediate need to prove his worth. If the pre-season training sessions are anything to go by, he is already on the right track.
The young midfielder sat down earlier this week to give his first in-depth interview after joining training with his new club. He began with an account of the change in environment in Madrid and the challenge it brought with it.
“I think the biggest challenge for me has been the heat. I’m getting used to it, I’m feeling strong and good.”
It is no secret that Antonio Pintus is one of the core members of Los Blancos’ training staff. The fitness coach is known for his ruthless routines, and Bellingham pointed out the same in his interview.
“Pintus loves to kill us, and that’s his job I suppose. But yeah, I love him. He’s a great guy. The work we do now will show in the long run.”
Moving to Spain not only brings Bellingham to a new style of football but also a different cultural setup. He spoke about his chance to embrace a new way of life, saying,
“It’s very important for me to learn and embrace the Spanish culture. Take it all in and enjoy.”
It has only been a week since the English midfielder entered the Real Madrid dressing room. He highlighted how it was mingling about his new teammates, the reception he received as well as the ordeal of learning the new language.
“Adapting to new teammates? It’s been brilliant. They’re great lads, I just enjoy being around them. Regardless of what they have won, they are really down to earth.”
“Lucas Vázquez and Brahim Díaz are probably my biggest Spanish teachers. Everyone’s chipping in and teaching me bad words. I can’t wait to try them out.”
Toni Kroos is one of the English international’s role models. To train with the German maestro day in and day out is one of the many dreams Bellingham has seen over the years, and he did not hold back in praising the Real Madrid legend’s genius.
“Toni Kroos is a master. One thing I’ve noticed is his passing details. The ball just drops wherever he wants it to, all the time.”
“Having watched Kroos from the outside, it’s a pleasure to watch him up close. It’s really good being able to receive the ball from him, showing him what I can do too, and see how our skills can match.”
Source: Real Madrid official Twitter
Real Madrid have identified the midfield department as a key area of the squad that needs strengthening next year.
Having failed to sign Rodri this past summer, the Merengues understand that a major signing is necessary in the position.
Several names have already been linked as potential targets for the Spanish capital club, one of whom happens to be AFC Bournemouth rising star Alex Scott.
Indeed, Real Madrid have scouted the England international this season and are continuing to closely monitor his development in the Premier League.
However, competition for the 23-year-old midfielder’s services is already heating up.
AC Milan eye Alex Scott
Indeed, according to Tutto Mercato (h/t AS), Italian giants AC Milan have set their sights on Scott to replace Real Madrid legend Luka Modric next season.
Modric, at 41, is entering the final phase of his career and his contract with the Rossoneri stands to expire at the end of the ongoing campaign.
As such, the Serie A heavyweights will need to rope in a replacement and have seemingly identified Scott, who is also on Real Madrid’s radar, as an option.
Apart from AC Milan, even Chelsea and Liverpool have also shown interest in the 23-year-old England star, and might even be willing to make a move for him in January.
This complicates the situation for Real Madrid, who would ideally wait until the summer of 2027 to reinforce their midfield unit.
€50 million for Scott?
Furthermore, the report states that Scott is valued by Bournemouth at around €50 million, a fee that could be an issue for AC Milan.
That figure, however, should not pose a challenge for Real Madrid. Nonetheless, the increasing competition for the 23-year-old’s services could drive up the price further, making things complicated.
For now, though, Real Madrid’s interest in Scott has been limited to scouting and monitoring his progress and compiling reports on him.
Whether it translates into a formal approach and offer in the summer or in January itself remains to be seen.
