‘Keep his mouth shut!’ - Carlo Ancelotti reveals important lesson Jude Bellingham has learned quickly at Real Madrid

The England international has been a revelation at Santiago Bernabeu during his debut campaign with Los Blancos. He has become the first player in La Liga this season to reach 20 goals and 10 assists, with his value to the collective cause clear for all to see.

Bellingham has, however, served a ban after picking up an avoidable red card against Valencia in early March for aiming a volley of foul-mouthed abuse at the match officials after he saw a late goal ruled out. The 20-year-old midfielder is now aware of the need to bite his lip, with head coach Ancelotti looking to hammer that point home. The Italian tactician has said of Bellingham’s relationship with referees in Spain: “I don’t know what Bellingham thinks about it, he’s learned very quickly what he has to do and that’s to keep his mouth shut.”

Bellingham was not on target in Real’s 2-0 victory over Athletic Club, with Ancelotti claiming that the all-action playmaker is still learning how to manage the demands of being a talismanic presence for club and country. He added: “Bellingham was not as fresh today as he usually is. He played two very intense games for England and he paid for it a little bit today. When I speak about intensity it’s because it was lacking a little bit today, like with Bellingham and [Fede] Valverde. Everyone has to be at their best level to beat City. Bellingham has played very well for the national team and that work today will help him in the coming games.”

Real will not be back in action until April 9, when they play host to Premier League title-holders Manchester City in the first leg of a heavyweight Champions League quarter-final. Another break from domestic duty arrives with an eight-point lead opened up at the top of La Liga.