Coach Carlo Ancelotti has drawn comparisons between Jude Bellingham and Real Madrid legend Zinedine Zidane after another outstanding performance from the young England midfielder in Real Madrid’s 4-2 win over Napoli

Coach Carlo Ancelotti compared Jude Bellingham with legendary Zinedine Zidane.

Bellingham’s header gave Real Madrid a 2-1 lead in the Group C match at the Santiago Bernabeu, after Giovanni Simeone put Napoli ahead and Rodrygo leveled for the hosts. Napoli’s Frank Zambo Anguissa equalized the score at 2-2 at half-time, but youngster Nico Paz restored the hosts’ lead, before Bellingham assisted Joselu to seal the win in extra time.

“It’s difficult to compare two different generations,” coach Ancelotti said in the post-match press conference when asked to compare Bellingham with Zidane – who also watched the match at the Bernabeu. “What I see is Bellingham’s ability to get into the box, Zidane doesn’t have that. While the personal qualities that Zidane has, Bellingham does not have. But this is modern football, which requires physical players like Bellingham, who can quickly cover many areas on the field.”

A moment no Madridista can forget

The 20-year-old British star is creating the feeling that only… injury prevents him from scoring. The nearly 134 million euro contract has scored 15 goals in 16 matches in all competitions for Real Madrid, scoring in all 4 appearances in the Champions League (4 goals). Coach Ancelotti added: “It seemed like he was very tired in the middle of the second half. Jude took 10 minutes to recover and then in the last 15 minutes he made the difference to help us win. Surprisingly. I don’t think anyone could have imagined how quickly he would adapt to this style of football, to this club.”

Jude Bellingham is very good at penetrating the penalty area, which is suitable in modern football.

“Jude is surprising every day, in every match. Not only us, he also surprised everyone. The coach and his teammates are happy for him, and the fans are happy with him. This guy is a gift to football. Everyone is happy to witness a player with so much potential and gradually reach world class. He still has to improve his Spanish, but as I’ve said many times, no one is perfect!”

Striker Rodrygo, who is also flourishing with his 7th goal in the last 7 matches, commented on his talented new teammate: “I don’t even know what to say. It’s fun to play with him.”