AT 20-YEARS of age, Jude Bellingham has been racking up 16 goals in 19 appearances for Real Madrid all across Spain and Europe, making him one of the biggest young stars in football.
It doesn't seem like he is currently fazed by the spectacle of playing under the bright lights and the big shoes left by the Galacticos, especially with him donning the number 5, worn by the club's most legendary players namely Jose Santamaria, Pirri, Raphael Varane, and most notably Zinedine Zidane.
His impact and his rise to fame has shaken the scene, to the point where even former FC Barcelona, Liverpool, and Atletico Madrid player, Luis Garcia was left with high praises.
In an interview with the media during LALIGA's 'The Legends Asian Tour' held in Sparta, Mandaluyong in Manila, Garcia publicly said that football players should look up to Jude Bellingham, even though the defender hails from rival teams.
"I'm a Barcelona supporter, I play for Barcelona and Atletico Madrid so what I'm going to say, is not going to be liked by their supporters, but I think at the moment, one of the best that you can see, all around of the world because of the way he behaves, in and off the field, I'm talking Jude Bellingham," started Garcia.
He lauded Bellingham's maturity, saying: "I think he has impressed us all, he arrived to LaLiga as a big talent. He's only 20-years-old, coming from the Bundesliga. He moved from England when he was 16, so he matured early at his age."
Why should football players emulate Bellingham?
What makes Bellingham respected by the public stem from his overall personality, which was something that was highlighted by Garcia.
This includes with how he interacts with referees, a trait that the community would oftentimes place under a microscope.
"But definitely I think he is one of those players who every kid should watch...He's a respectful player, the way he addresses the press, he respects his teammates, he respects the opponent, and the referees. You don't see him complain a lot to the referees. He's remarkable."
But besides his personality, his playing style is worth applauding.
"Second of all is the way he plays. He's a very intelligent player, he knows exactly what he's doing, he's football intelligence is magnificent, so technical," reflected Garcia.
As a central attacking midfielder (number 10), Bellingham can be seen roaming around the pitch, forming passing angles, and supporting the likes of Vinicius Jr. and Rodrygo.
He even tracks back to defend, and positions himself efficiently inside the penalty area, which explains his goal-scoring exploits.
Bellingham's positioning even makes him an unpredictable player as he is initially positioned as a number 10, but tends to act like a false nine in some instances.
"But the best thing is that every decision he makes in the field is fantastic. He works hard, that's something you don't see very often in a young talent. Sometimes they just want to have the ball, but when they don't have the ball, they don't work," explained Garcia.
Lionel Messi-like player?
Besides Garcia, former Real Sociedad and Arsenal player, Nacho Monreal likewise had high compliments for Bellingham. He even went as far as branding Bellingham as the best young player in LALIGA since Lionel Messi to the Filipino press.
Like Messi when he first entered FC Barcelona, Bellingham became the wonderkid that rattled the most seasoned players.
"We have a Jude Bellingham. He's been a surprise for us. We knew he was a top-top player, but we didn't expect him with that performance," said Monreal.
He further elaborated: "How he has played, how he understands football, his commitment in LaLiga, he has completely everything. He has been an amazing footballer."
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