Bellingham, a start at the height of 'CR7': "It's surprising, nobody expected this"

One more afternoon, Jude Bellingham took over the Santiago Bernabéu spotlight. Goals, running towards one of the backs, looking at the stands and arms open, as if nailed to a cross, as if trying to encompass what already belongs to him: the affection of a fans and a locker room surrendered to him. His start is “surprising”, admitted Carlo Ancelotti, and historic, as the data add. After the double against Osasuna, the Englishman has accumulated 10 goals in his first 10 games in white, equaling the figures of Cristiano Ronaldo in his first ten games with Madrid in the 2009-2010 season. Only they have achieved something like this.

Bellingham is the Pichichi of LaLiga and leads Madrid's offensive game, but he also works, recovers and is ready to praise other teammates. In Vinicius' goal, the Brit raised his arms celebrating the goal when the Brazilian was still facing Sergio Herrera. This was the trust he had in his partner. And when Vini scored, he was the first to point out Fede Valverde in front of the stands to praise the Uruguayan's assistance. “What stands out most about him is the maturity he has.. He's smart and a quick learner, and he's very happy to be here.. He has his feet on the ground, he has seriousness, professionalism…”, Ancelotti did not run out of adjectives in the press room. The rhombus that the Italian invented in the summer, changing Madrid's system, is the one that is placing Bellingham on the throne of continental football.

Regarding his position, Carletto praised that it is not “fixed”, something that “gives him an advantage”. “It is easier to study and defend a player who fixes his position. Not him, he is very dynamic. He comes from the second line very well, he combines…. It is a surprising start to the season in all aspects. Nobody expected this level of goals,” admitted the coach.

The Italian knows that one day the British streak will end because “he is not a center forward”, but he enjoys it. “The time will come when I put other types of attitudes on the field in terms of work and quality.”

Vinicius: “He was born to play here”

One of Bellingham's best friends in the locker room is Vinicius Júnior, a member, like the Englishman, of the young clan that makes this locker room “one of the cleanest I've ever had,” as Ancelotti acknowledged.. The Brazilian, who scored and assisted, insisted that the Briton “was born to play for Madrid”. “He was born to mark an era in the biggest team in the world and I hope our connection lasts for many years, that we play here together for a long time.”. “I am delighted to play with him, he is one of the best in the world at such a young age and we are all very happy.”

On the pitch, Ancelotti once again gave a start to Luka Modric, who had not started since the Madrid derby. «He has been the same Modric as always, with his involvement, with his commitment. The ovation he has had is normal. “What he has done today is what he has been doing for this club,” praised the Italian, who admitted that “he is not going to talk to anyone, neither with the players nor with the selectors” during the break.. «Whoever is tired, should talk to his national team coach. “We, unless they ask us, are not going to talk to anyone.”

The debate over the penalty

The only downside of the game was the penalty missed by Joselu. The eleven meters seem to be one of the small weaknesses of the white team. In addition, there was debate again before the launch. While Joselu waited with the ball at the penalty spot, Lucas and Valverde approached Rodrygo and spoke to him, and Ancelotti spoke to Mendy and pointed to the Brazilian. «The thrower was Joselu, but if Rodrygo wanted to throw it, I told them that he could throw it. It could be changed at that moment in the game. “I don't know the details of what they have talked about.” Rodrygo, who was a substitute, left the field somewhat angry after things did not work out for him in the 20 minutes that the coach gave him.

Florentino Pérez was missing from the box, who was absent because a couple of days ago he tested positive for Covid. “He is fine,” the club said.