Jude Bellingham, England and Real Madrid player
Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images
Jude Bellingham has been in sensational form this season, both for Real Madrid and England, rediscovering the brilliance that defined his early days in Spain.
The midfielder capped off a terrific international break with a standout display as England thrashed Croatia 7-0 in the UEFA Nations League.
And his performance drew high praise from former Manchester United captain Roy Keane.
Keane in awe of Bellingham
Jude Bellingham, England and Real Madrid player
A fantastic performance from Jude. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)
The Irishman was effusive in his assessment of Bellingham, suggesting the Englishman was simply operating on a different level to the Croatia side.
“Jude Bellingham vs Croatia? It looks like a grown man playing against little children. It’s like patting your kids on the head,” he said (h/t Madrid Zone).
He went on to acknowledge that Croatia could hardly be blamed for failing to contain him. “He’s such a good player and physically you can’t blame Croatia because they can’t get near him,” the former midfielder added.
It was a glowing endorsement from Keane, who is rarely one to hand out praise lightly, and it reflected just how dominant Bellingham was on the night.
Bellingham’s performance in numbers
The numbers behind Bellingham’s performance backed up Keane’s words, with the Real Madrid man delivering a truly complete midfield showing.
Jude Bellingham, England and Real Madrid player
Bellingham (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)
Bellingham registered a goal and three assists, while also creating a staggering eight chances, four of which were big chances.
He completed both of his crosses, six of seven long balls and four of six dribbles.
Defensively, he was equally impressive, winning eight duels, making an interception, two recoveries and two defensive contributions, while also being fouled three times as Croatia struggled to cope with his power and drive.
It was the kind of all-action, match-defining display that has become increasingly common for Bellingham this season.
The Englishman has been reborn under Jose Mourinho, operating in a free attacking role that allows him to influence games in every area of the pitch.
Bellingham was not the only Englishman to perform well, with Barcelona star Anthony Gordon also impressing on the night.
Serie A giants ready to battle it out for the services of Real Madrid star in January – report
Endrick of Brazil
Photo by Albert Perez/Getty Images
It has been reportedly widely that Endrick is not happy with his game-time at Real Madrid this season and could explore a move away from the club in the upcoming January transfer window.
After a stellar loan spell at Lyon, expectations were high that Endrick could become the breakout star at Real Madrid this season. But the reality has been quite the opposite.
While a pre-season injury saw him miss a few matches initially, the forward has now struggled for minutes even after returning to full fitness, racking up just four minutes of action all season.
Milan and Roma ready to sign Endrick
Endrick, Real Madrid and Brazil forward
Endrick has struggled for minutes this season. (Photo by Albert Perez/Getty Images)
As reported by Diario SPORT, Serie A giants Roma and AC Milan are the two main candidates to secure Endrick’s services in January.
It appears both clubs are keen on the Brazilian, with Roma, who happen to be Real Madrid’s next Champions League opponents, and AC Milan leading the chase.
Given Endrick’s age and the significant investment Real Madrid made in him, only a loan move is being contemplated at this stage.
Endrick finds himself stuck behind both Kylian Mbappe and Carlos Espi in the pecking order, with the latter having scored twice this season in limited minutes. His sole appearance under Jose Mourinho came in a four-minute cameo against Elche.
A nightmare turning sour
Endrick of Real Madrid
Endrick set for another loan spell? (Photo by David Balogh/Getty Images)
What was meant to be a breakthrough campaign has instead become a frustrating ordeal for Endrick.
Having rejected a second loan in the summer, with Aston Villa among those interested, the Brazilian chose to stay and fight for his place following Gonzalo Garcia’s departure.
However, the surprise emergence of Espi has only pushed him further down the order, leaving his European dream looking more like a nightmare.
Even on international duty, Endrick struggled to make his mark, failing to start two of Brazil’s three friendlies during the break.
For Endrick, a January exit now appears his best route to regaining form and confidence. With Roma and Milan circling, a temporary move to Serie A could be exactly what the young striker needs to reignite his stalling career.