Real Madrid News
Premier League legend heaps praise on Real Madrid star after solid performance vs Croatia – “Looks like a grown man”
Jude Bellingham has been in sensational form this season, both for Real Madrid and England, rediscovering the brilliance that defined his early days in Spain.
The midfielder capped off a terrific international break with a standout display as England thrashed Croatia 7-0 in the UEFA Nations League.
And his performance drew high praise from former Manchester United captain Roy Keane.
Keane in awe of Bellingham
The Irishman was effusive in his assessment of Bellingham, suggesting the Englishman was simply operating on a different level to the Croatia side.
“Jude Bellingham vs Croatia? It looks like a grown man playing against little children. It’s like patting your kids on the head,” he said (h/t Madrid Zone).
He went on to acknowledge that Croatia could hardly be blamed for failing to contain him. “He’s such a good player and physically you can’t blame Croatia because they can’t get near him,” the former midfielder added.
It was a glowing endorsement from Keane, who is rarely one to hand out praise lightly, and it reflected just how dominant Bellingham was on the night.
Bellingham’s performance in numbers
The numbers behind Bellingham’s performance backed up Keane’s words, with the Real Madrid man delivering a truly complete midfield showing.
Bellingham registered a goal and three assists, while also creating a staggering eight chances, four of which were big chances.
He completed both of his crosses, six of seven long balls and four of six dribbles.
Defensively, he was equally impressive, winning eight duels, making an interception, two recoveries and two defensive contributions, while also being fouled three times as Croatia struggled to cope with his power and drive.
It was the kind of all-action, match-defining display that has become increasingly common for Bellingham this season.
The Englishman has been reborn under Jose Mourinho, operating in a free attacking role that allows him to influence games in every area of the pitch.
Bellingham was not the only Englishman to perform well, with Barcelona star Anthony Gordon also impressing on the night.
Real Madrid youngster Endrick continues to attract interest from several clubs ahead of another potential loan move in the upcoming January transfer window.
The latest side considering a move for the Brazilian forward is Aston Villa.
Indeed, according to reports relayed by Bernabeu Digital, the Premier League club are interested in signing the Real Madrid striker on loan in January.
No minutes for Endrick
Endrick has had very limited opportunities under Jose Mourinho this season. Across Real Madrid’s nine matches in La Liga and the UEFA Champions League, the Brazilian has played just four minutes, coming on in the 86th minute against Elche.
Such limited playing time has left the young forward struggling to gain the minutes and experience needed to develop his talent at Real Madrid.
As such, another loan move, like last January when he left for Olympique Lyon, could offer him a chance to play more regularly and continue his progression.
Aston Villa, managed by Unai Emery, have now emerged as an interested party to acquire the Brazilian international’s services on loan for the second half of the season.
AC Milan also interested in Endrick
Howver, Aston Villa are not the only club monitoring Endrick’s situation. AC Milan have also renewed their interest in the Brazilian forward.
The Rossoneri already held an interest in the 20-year-old forward during the summer transfer window and are knocking on the doors once again now.
In fact, some reports in Italy even go on to suggest that the youngster is ready to pounce on the opportunity to sign for the Serie A giants.
For now, however, there have been no concrete developments or formal approaches from any interested club.
Real Madrid are understood to be open to allowing Endrick to leave on loan, but they are not considering a permanent sale as they still have a lot of faith in the promising attacker whom they signed from Palmeiras.
With Aston Villa and AC Milan both interested, the coming months could prove important in determining where the young Brazilian will continue his development.
