Jude Bellingham has dominated the likes of Zinedine Zidane and Luis Figo on his Real Madrid debut, says former Los Blancos star Aitor Karanka.
The England midfielder completed a €103 million move to the Santiago Bernabeu from Borussia Dortmund during the summer transfer window. Big things were expected of him in Spain, but the 20-year-old has exceeded all expectations.
Former Los Blancos defender Karanka – who won three Champions League crowns during his time with Real – has spoken to The Mirror about Bellingham and his 13-goal start in 14 appearances.
“I had no doubt, but maybe a surprise just how quickly he did these things. I played with Figo and Zidane and, even for them, it took time. I remember when Zizou arrived here, the first month or two months, he was not as good as he was at Juventus or later. It’s Real Madrid.”
“But with Jude’s personality and character, it seems like he has played here for 10 years in Madrid. No other club is like it. When I played here there were good players but they were all older but now there are 20 year olds, the only one I can think of is Raul who started at 18 or 19 but when you are as young as Jude it is it’s hard to find someone who has been as successful as him”, declared Karanka.
Jude Bellingham is currently suffering from a shoulder injury as he has signed a contract at Real Madrid until 2029.
He is expected to be in contention for the Ballon d’Or in the near future.