Jude Bellingham surpassed Zinedine Zidane and Luis Figo on his Real Madrid debut, claims former Whites player Aitor Karanka.
The England international midfielder was transferred from Borussia Dortmund to Santiago Bernabeu for a fee of 103 million euros during the summer transfer window. Much was expected of him in Spain, but the 20-year-old has exceeded all expectations.
Former Los Blancos defender Karanka, who won three Champions Leagues during his time at Real, told Mirror that he was not surprised to see Bellingham score 13 goals in 14 appearances: “ I had no surprises or doubts, but what surprised me was how quickly he succeeded. I played with Figo and Zidane and, even for them, it took time. I remember when Zizou came here, the first month or two, he wasn’t as good as at Juventus or later. It’s Real Madrid.
“But with Jude’s personality and character, it looks like he’s been playing here for 10 years in Madrid. No other club is like this one. When I played here there were top players, but they were all older. Now, at 20, the only one I can think of is Raul, who started when he was 18 or 19, but when you’re as young as Jude, it’s hard to find someone as successful as him.
“He had offers from Liverpool and Manchester City, but he decided to go to Madrid as soon as he got here and he made the difference. His family is very strong. His brother Jobe plays at Sunderland, his father is with him at Sunderland and his mother is with him here. I think it’s vital because, as a player, 25 years later, playing for Real Madrid means you are more than just a player.
