Ex-Real Madrid star tells Jude Bellingham he has bigger influence on Blancos dressing room than Ronaldo and Zinedine Zidane

Bellingham is enjoying a stellar first season at Real Madrid following his summer move from Borussia Dortmund in a deal worth €103 million (£88m/$110m). The England international has scored 21 goals for Los Blancos and quickly become vital to the team's hopes of success. Bellingham also looks destined to win silverware in his debut campaign with Madrid. The team currently sit 11 points clear at the top of La Liga and are into the semi-finals of the Champions League.

Bellingham's influence at Madrid is not just being felt on the pitch but off it too. The 20-year-old has stunned his team-mates with the amount of goals he has scored but has also impressed with the composure and maturity he has shown after taking up a challenge in a new league and a new country. Former Madrid star Steve McManaman is one of the few other England players to have thrived at Real Madrid and has hailed Bellingham's influence at the Santiago Bernabeu.

He told TNT Sports: "Luis Figo came into the dressing room. R9 [Ronaldo Nazario], ‘El Phenomeno’ came into the dressing room. Zizou [Zinedine Zidane] came into the dressing room. Nobody has had an impact like he has [Bellingham] and he’s done it at the age of 20 year old. It’s phenomenal.

"He joined Real Madrid on a big money signing at the start of the year at the age of 19. This was a transitional year for Real Madrid because Karim Benzema went, of course Eden Hazard, Asensio. Jude Bellingham came in as the No 1 signing. And another couple of signings on the peripherary. But he was the one. The fact that he’s taken to this role as he has done.

"Scoring in two Clasicos, winning the Super Copa, winning LaLiga – coasting to the league and now in the semi-finals of the Champions League all on his shoulders. What an absolute star."

Real Madrid take on Cadiz next in La Liga before hosting Bayern Munich in the second leg of their Champions League tie with the fixture currently locked at 2-2. Bellingham was taken off in the first leg at the Allianz Arena after struggling physically but will be expected to play a key role at the Santiago Bernabeu on Wednesday.