Real Madrid News
Legendary Man United defender heaps praise on Bellingham: “Two or three Ballon d’Ors”
Jude Bellingham has earned loads of plaudits following an exceptional start to this life at Real Madrid.
In the first four league matches this season, the midfielder has racked up five goals and one assist, playing a key role in helping Real Madrid lead the table with four wins.
Bellingham’s contributions have proven to be critical, especially following the departure of Karim Benzema and the injury of Vinicius Junior.
In light of Bellingham’s early success at Santiago Bernabeu, English football legend Rio Ferdinand has heaped praise on the midfielder.
Ferdinand backs Bellingham to win Ballon d’or
“Bellingham can go on and win Ballon d’Ors. I’ll be very surprised if this kid doesn’t finish his career with at least one, maybe two or three Ballon d’Ors because I think he’s that good,” Ferdinand said (h/t Daily Mail).
Talking about his form, Ferdinand added, “To go to Real Madrid and be the best player in his first four or five games is phenomenal, unheard of.”
The former Manchester United defender, who has played alongside and against players such as Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard, and Paul Scholes, has even backed Bellingham to match these footballing legends.
“He is going to be pitted against people like Gerrard, Lampard, Scholes,” he said.
Ferdinand even went on to suggest that Jude is far ahead of them in terms of development and what he has achieved at this age.
“I would say right now, comfortably, that none of those players were doing anything like what he’s doing at this age and that’s the yardstick,” he said.
Bellingham has indeed achieved a series of milestones at the age of just 20. Prior to his move to Real Madrid, he had made 132 competitive appearances for Borussia Dortmund.
The midfielder also racked up 26 appearances for the English national team, and is one of the undisputed starters, as the Three Lions brace themselves for the upcoming 2024 European Championships.
Real Madrid’s start to the season has been nothing short of exemplary. The Merengues have won every game since the dawn of the campaign, going unbeaten over the course of six games.
However, coach Carlo Ancelotti has yet to unearth the maximum potential of his squad, as injuries to key players and some notable absentees have prevented Real Madrid from flexing their muscles.
Arriving this summer on a six-year contract, Arda Guler has not been fortuitous enough to don the Royal White jersey yet, owing to a knee injury he endured early in the pre-season tour of the US.
But after missing out on the initial stages of the campaign, his return is closer than ever.
Arda Guler aching to make his debut
Indeed, as per Diario AS, he has fully recovered from his injury and is close to playing his first match for Real Madrid.
The Turkish sensation cannot wait to play and apparently will be back with the group on Monday as he can finally shake off the rust and be reintegrated within the squad dynamics.
Guler has missed some important games in La Liga thus far, as well as the Champions League opener versus Union Berlin, which Madrid won with a late Bellingham strike.
However, the season is still long, and the 18-year-old will finally be able to participate in the upcoming matches, with El Clasico also on the horizon.
Oozing talent
After a thorough investigation, the Madrid sports management came to the conclusion that Guler would be a suitable attacking addition who is poised to fit the team dynamics like a glove.
As a result, everyone at the club is excitedly anticipating his return from injury because he will have plenty of possibilities this season.
The player garnered immense attention in the summer transfer window and Real Madrid are thus looking forward to seeing him in action.
