Real Madrid News
Jude Bellingham talks winning the Ballon d’Or, El Clasico brace for Real Madrid
Having made an incredible start to life at Real Madrid, Jude Bellingham seems to be going from strength to strength.
In Paris tonight for the Ballon d’Or ceremony, the Englishman was beaming, as he is set to be crowned as the best young player in the world when he is handed the Kopa Trophy.
Ahead of the festivities, Bellingham talked all things El Clasico, and what it means for him to be present at such an event.
Here’s what the 20-year-old sensation had to say to TNT Sports while amongst the glitz and glamour.
When asked about whether the buzz of his winning brace against Barcelona had wore off from the weekend, he said:
“It was a fun one. I was really happy to play in it. It was an emotional one, I remember watching El Clasico as a kid, so to play in one and score in one… I’ve still got goosebumps now.”
He then reiterated what an honour it is to play for Real Madrid, calling it the biggest club in the world again.
He was also told by the interviewer, that England legend Gary Lineker tipped Bellingham to win the Ballon d’Or within five years time, the youngster said:
“It’s very nice of him, but for me it’s all about the team awards. But this is definitely one you look at when you’re a kid.”
Given the way his stint at Madrid has started, there is hardly any doubt that he may get his hands on the prestigious award sooner rather than later.
Nico Paz was long hyped as Real Madrid Castilla’s brightest upcoming star. The media constantly kept the spotlight on the young Argentine through pre-season as he made a strong impression under Carlo Ancelotti in preseason.
His breakthrough eventually arrived, courtesy of Real Madrid’s injury crisis. He has now made two appearances for the team in La Liga and the UEFA Champions League and even recorded his first goal for the club earlier this week against Napoli.
Taking his chances
As revealed by AS (h/t The Madrid Zone), Paz has impressed management with his cameo against Napoli and will be called up for Real Madrid’s clash against Granada tomorrow.
In fact, there is a good chance he sees significant game time on the night.
After all, Ancelotti is without the likes of Luka Modric, Aurelien Tchouameni and Eduardo Camavinga in the middle of the park.
With Toni Kroos, Dani Ceballos, Federico Valverde, and Jude Bellingham filling the starting spots, Paz serves as the manager’s first-choice backup off the bench.
Paz voices his elation
Paz’s introduction against Napoli changed the texture of the game, and it was only poetic that he got the goal that put Real Madrid ahead again on the night.
Speaking to the media after his special night, the Castilla star did not hold back on his emotions.
“This is a dream. For a moment I didn’t even believe it. Very happy to be able to help the team. I dared. I was in automatic mode, I didn’t even know what I was doing. I hit it and well.”
“This is also a message for the other youth players: it is possible to get there. Ancelotti congratulated me, and the whole staff. They are an incredible group and I want to thank them all,” he added, urging his Castilla teammates to keep pushing.
