EXCLUSIVE: 'He's only reached 60% of what he can do!' - Former Real Madrid star Julio Baptista backs 'incredibly talented' Jude Bellingham to continue development for Los Blancos

Baptista, who was on the books at Madrid from 2005-2008, lauded Bellingham for his adaptation to Los Blancos after making a big-money move to the Spanish capital last summer. Bellingham is his side's top scorer and in the mix for the Pichichi.

In an exclusive interview with GOAL, Baptista hailed Bellingham's impact: "And as a player, he's adapted perfectly well and very quickly to the rest of the team. And I think that he's settled in perfectly well, he's fully adapted to the way that Madrid is playing. And Madrid has adapted to deal with the way he plays, too, which means that both of them are in perfect coordination. I suppose that he's not yet reached his full development, I think he's only reached 60% of what he can actually produce or what he can deliver."

Bellingham's impact on Los Blancos has been immense. The English midfielder has been deployed as a false nine for Carlo Ancelotti's side, and his series of star showings have carried a squad without a recognised striker to the top of La Liga. Los Blancos are eight points clear atop the table with seven games to play.

Los Blancos are set to take on Barcelona in the second league Clasico of the year on Sunday. They won the first, 2-1, after Bellingham scored twice in the second half to complete a dramatic comeback.

Watch the final LALIGA ELCLÁSICO of the season this Sunday 8pm BST exclusively via Premier Sports in the UK. All of LALIGA, All in one place. Available from just £7.99/month.