'Jude's different class' - Joselu admits Bellingham has 'touched everyone’s hearts' at Real Madrid as he explains what makes €103m midfielder 'special'

At just 20 years old, Bellingham has captured the imagination of fans and pundits alike with his remarkable performances in Spain. With 20 goals to his name, he has firmly entrenched himself as a pivotal figure in Carlo Ancelotti's tactical setup. Beyond his goal-scoring prowess, Bellingham's versatility and ability to create scoring opportunities for his team-mates have earned him plaudits from Los Blancos striker Joselu.

"Jude’s different class. Physically, he’s incredible. He’s very humble, a great teammate," Joselu remarked to The Guardian, shedding light on Bellingham's exceptional attributes.

"From the start, he tried to speak Spanish. He’s touched everyone’s hearts: he’s very special. I learned English when I was there and we speak a lot. I try to help. Jude can achieve everything he sets his mind to. He has the potential to be really important for England and Madrid for, pfff, as long as he wants. He gives us something extra, not just as a goalscorer."

Joselu's testimonial highlights the positive influence Bellingham has had both on and off the pitch, with his dedication to integrating into the team culture resonating deeply with his colleagues. However, Bellingham's journey to Real Madrid was not without its drama, as the club fended off interest from Manchester City to secure his services in a blockbuster transfer worth €103 million (£88m/$111m) from Borussia Dortmund. Since his arrival, Bellingham has quickly endeared himself to the demanding fanbase at the Santiago Bernabeu and was welcomed with a special banner after he made his return following a two-match ban for his X-rated rant at the referee against Valencia.

As the 2023-24 campaign draws to a close, Bellingham will be eager to add to his trophy cabinet, with aspirations of clinching La Liga and Champions League titles to complement the Supercopa triumph achieved under Ancelotti's stewardship. And with Real Madrid gearing up for a crucial showdown against Manchester City in the Champions League quarter-finals on Tuesday evening, the stage is set for Bellingham to once again showcase his talents on the European stage.