Jude Bellingham, England and Real Madrid player
Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images
Jude Bellingham has been one of the standout players for England during the international break so far, most recently starring in the country’s 7-0 win over Croatia.
It was a continuation of the Englishman’s great form at Real Madrid, where he seems to have come alive under the leadership of Jose Mourinho.
Many even believe Bellingham has managed to channel the form he had shown in his first season at the club. And the midfielder has now received a stamp of approval from Toni Kroos.
What Kroos said about Bellingham
Toni Kroos
Kroos is a huge admirer of Bellingham. (Photo by Patricia J. Garcinuno/Getty Images for Laureus)
Speaking on his show ‘Kroos & Kroos, the former Real Madrid man was effusive in his praise of his old teammate.
“For me, Bellingham is one of the most complete midfielders in the world. If he’s at his best, I think he’s the best midfielder in the world, or he could be the best midfielder in the world,” he said (h/t Defensa Central).
The German’s words carry particular weight given he shared a dressing room with Bellingham during the 2023-24 season, when the pair helped Real Madrid win La Liga, the Champions League and the Spanish Super Cup.
Dismissing the criticism in England
Jude Bellingham, England and Real Madrid player
Can Bellingham lead Real Madrid to glory this season? (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)
Kroos also addressed the scrutiny Bellingham often faces in his home country, suggesting it does not reflect his true level.
“I know that players in their home country sometimes receive the most criticism,” he explained.
Having witnessed Bellingham’s qualities up close, Kroos is well placed to judge. He had seen a young version of the Englishman turn into one of the leaders in the current Real Madrid team.
For Kroos, the only question is whether Bellingham can consistently combine those attributes at peak physical condition. When he does, the German is adamant the 22-year-old stands above every other midfielder in the game.
It is high praise indeed from a player who dominated that very position for Real Madrid over a decade.
For Mourinho, rediscovering the very best version of Bellingham could prove transformative, as the club look to resume their campaign on a strong note next weekend.
Former AC Milan striker urges Real Madrid ace to leave the club – “I think he needs a change”
Alexandre Pato, former AC Milan player
Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
it is no secret that Endrick is not happy at Real Madrid at the moment, having struggled to get regular game-time under Jose Mourinho.
After a strong season on loan at Lyon, Endrick had multiple offers to leave the club in favour of a loan move elsewhere. But he stayed at the request of Mourinho, who has barely utilised his services.
Endrick’s lack of game-time has led to question marks over his future, with the January transfer window just around the corner.
Alexandre Pato’s advice to Endrick
Endrick, Real Madrid player
Time for Endrick to leave Real Madrid? (Photo by Albert Perez/Getty Images)
Former Brazil international Alexandre Pato certainly believes a move away from Real Madrid would do Endrick a world of good.
“I think he needs a change, because it’s not easy to find him a place at Real Madrid. I don’t know what he thinks about it, but he can’t always leave the decision up to his agents. In my opinion, he needs to look for another club,” he said (h/t Mundo Deportivo).
The former AC Milan man was blunt in his assessment of Endrick’s chances of breaking through. “I think it’s going to be difficult for him to play for Real Madrid,” he added.
It is a view shared by many, with Endrick having mustered just four minutes of action all season, finding himself well behind Kylian Mbappe and Carlos Espi in the pecking order.
Milan ready to make a move
Endrick of Real Madrid
Milan are ready to sign Endrick. (Photo by David Balogh/Getty Images)
Pato, a former Milan player himself, also revealed that the Serie A giants had tried to sign Endrick in the summer, and their interest appears to remain very much alive.
“I know that Cardinale (Milan’s owner) tried to bring him to Milan, but he didn’t succeed. He always thinks about the best for Milan,” he explained.
Milan are indeed ready to reignite their pursuit of the Brazilian in January, offering him a potential route to regular football.
They are not alone in their admiration either, with Endrick also considering a loan exit amid interest from AS Roma.
For Endrick, a temporary move could prove the ideal solution to kickstart a career that has stalled since his move to Spain.
Having thrived at Lyon last season, the forward knows he needs minutes to develop, and with Mourinho unlikely to offer him a prominent role, a January switch is looking increasingly probable.