da luck： Jude Bellingham was always going to star at Real Madrid as he is a “throwback” talent with “scary” ability, says England team-mate James Maddison.

da apostaganha： Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

Youngster made big-money move to SpainMade an immediate impact at the BernabeuThree Lions colleague expected him to thriveWHAT HAPPENED?

The 20-year-old midfielder completed a €103 million (£88m/$112m) transfer to Santiago Bernabeu during the summer window of 2023. Big things were expected of him in Spain, but Bellingham has exceeded all expectations. He is already breaking records previously posted by Cristiano Ronaldo, with 15 goals recorded through just 17 appearances.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesWHAT MADDISON SAID ABOUT BELLINGHAM

Maddison, who has worked alongside Bellingham in the Three Lions camp, has told of why the 2023 Golden Boy winner was destined to shine as a Real Madrid ‘Galactico’: “I think I’m his biggest fan. He just loves footy. He’s a Midlands boy. It’s scary to think how young he is. He’s a throwback. He’s a top player and is going to get better and better. I just had no doubt (that he’d succeed), because of his mentality. He’s got a 30-year-old mentality of a Premier League veteran who’s played 600 league games.. the way he carries himself and the way he speaks, it’s of the highest order.”

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Maddison is competing for minutes with Bellingham in Gareth Southgate’s England plans, with the Three Lions blessed with an abundance of creative midfield talents at present. Both men will be hoping to form part of a star-studded squad at next summer’s European Championship in Germany.

GettyWHAT NEXT FOR MADDISON & BELLINGHAM?

For now, Maddison is working his way back from a serious ankle injury at Tottenham – which could keep him out until the spring of 2024 – while Bellingham is managing a shoulder complaint at Real Madrid that may require surgery at some stage.