August 24, (THEWILL) – Real Madrid manager, Carlo Ancelotti, believes new signing, Jude Bellingham, can fill the void left by the shock departure of Ballon d’Or winner, Karim Benzema, this summer.
Benzema made a surprise move to Saudi Arabian club, Al Ittihad, in June, signing a lucrative £86 million per year contract after helping Madrid win the UEFA Super Cup, a record-extending fifth FIFA Club World Cup and the Copa del Rey last season. His absence was expected to be felt in attack, but 20-year-old Bellingham has impressed since arriving from Borussia Dortmund for £86 million.
The England international has netted 3 goals in his first 2 competitive games, as Real have won their opening La Liga matches against Athletic Club and Almeria. Playing just behind Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo in a fluid front three, Bellingham’s mature performances have caught the eye.
“We believe Jude’s arrival covers Karim’s absence,” said Ancelotti in an interview this week. “He is a serious, mature boy with a lot of quality. What he is doing is not surprising to us, what is surprising is that he is only 20 years old.”
Fellow midfielder, Toni Kroos, echoed those thoughts on his podcast, hailing Bellingham’s composure and decision making. “He’s incredibly mature for his age, not just mentally, but also the way he plays,” said the German. “He doesn’t do reckless things, is always clear in his actions.”
Bellingham’s performances have given these Real Madrid stalwarts the confidence to make such bold statements about his part in the new direction the club is going and Los Blancos faithfuls will be hoping the young Englishman can continue to fill the sizeable void left by Benzema’s exit. His early form suggests he is more than capable of doing so.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
