Real Madrid News
Real Madrid new boy has left former defender surprised: “It is not easy”
Ever since coming from Borussia Dortmund in a deal worth more than €100 million, Jude Bellingham has won hearts at Real Madrid.
The midfielder starred in Real Madrid’s first two league matches, scoring a total of three goals and showcasing phenomenal mentality.
Michel Salgado praises Bellingham
Bellingham’s blazing performances at Real Madrid have left many mesmerised and Michel Salgado is no exception.
In a recent interview, the former Real Madrid right-back has heaped praise on Bellingham. He revealed he was shocked by how quickly the midfielder has made his transition to life in Spain.
“There are two things that surprise me about Bellingham,” said Delgado (h/t Mundo Deportivo).
“The first is his performance despite his youth, how he arrives at Real Madrid and in just two league games and a pre-season he offers that level. And the second is that it is not easy for English players to perform so quickly in Spain.”
Delgado, who played for Real Madrid between 1999 to 2009, recalled his experience with another Englishman who played for the club, in the form of Steve McManaman.
In his opinion, McMananan offered a “spectacular performance, even better than at Liverpool.”
However, Delgado believes Celta Vigo will be a much more difficult test for Bellingham and Real Madrid, as they look to continue his form in these early stages of the campaign.
“I think Celta can stand up to them. In the last game we saw what Benítez wants, a one hundred per cent competitive team. But it’s also true that in these first two games Real Madrid didn’t give their rivals a chance, they were far superior,” he said.
Finally, Delgado spoke of Real Madrid’s quick transition under Carlo Ancelotti, which is going to get a further boost following the addition of Bellingham.
“It already had fuel, but now with Bellingham even more because he adds something new,” he said.
It must be mentioned that Delgado is one of Celta’s centenary ambassadors, as the footballer was a product of the club’s youth academy and had played over 100 competitive matches for the club.
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid rising star suffered against Atletico due to veteran forward’s absence, says Simeone
Real Madrid’s 3-1 defeat to Atletico Madrid was not the first time were in trouble this season. In fact, the Merengues have gone behind early in almost every league game so far.
However, the difference on Sunday night was that they never really mounted a comeback. More importantly, Jude Bellingham did not come good, for the first time.
Simeone unravels the mystery
A jubilant Diego Simeone spoke to the media after his side downed Real Madrid by three goals to one and spoke about a plethora of topics.
Interestingly, he commented specifically on why Bellingham did not have an impact at Civitas Metropolitano, citing the absence of Joselu as a key factor.
“No, the spaces were reduced and I think that Joselu’s lack of presence left him with fewer chances to get there, when he takes advantage of Joselu’s aerial play. We controlled him better, he’s extraordinary,” he said, as quoted by AS.
He even called out the refereeing on the night and insisted that the Real Madrid star-boy should have seen red for his late tackle on Angel Correa, saying:
“It looked like a sending-off to me live, it was a hard leg up, with Angelito hitting the ball.”
Ironically, he defended his defender Jose Maria Gimenez for an equally threatening tackle on the night.
“A bad foul, it’s a yellow card because it goes sideways. Bellingham goes from the front and I think it’s a bit more,” he stated paradoxically.
No time to lament
The game at Civitas Metropolitano may not have gone Real Madrid’s way. Yet, it is good for the Merengues to taste defeat early and see the gaping holes in their dynamic.
Carlo Ancelotti admitted in his press conference that he bore the lion’s share of the fault for Sunday’s loss and that he would have done things differently if given the chance.
“Maybe I could have done it better. It’s pretty clear. When the team doesn’t do what it has to do, it’s my responsibility,” he stated.
Nevertheless, Los Blancos have a hectic schedule ahead with two games in the next five days and a UCL fixture against Napoli next week. With Vinicius Jr back, one hopes they find their mojo once again.
