Roy Keane, Manchester United legend
Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images
Jude Bellingham’s latest England performance has earned major praise from Manchester United and Premier League legend Roy Keane, who believes the Real Madrid midfielder has the potential to become one of the greatest players in football history.
Bellingham was at the centre of England’s impressive display against Croatia, scoring once and providing three assists.
His four goal involvements also made him the first England midfielder to reach that mark in a match since David Platt recorded the same tally against San Marino in February 1993.
Keane hails Bellingham’s all-round impact
Speaking about Real Madrid midfielder’s display for the national team, the former Manchester United player was quoted by MARCA as saying,
“Bellingham could go on to become one of the greatest players of all time.”
Keane was particularly impressed by the midfielder’s work without the ball, an aspect of Bellingham’s game that he feels can influence the rest of the team.
Jude Bellingham, England and Real Madrid player
Jude Bellingham was unstoppable against Croatia. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)
“His attitude with the England team of late… I’ve praised him for being fantastic on the ball, but what he does off the ball is what motivates all these players.
“If you have a player of that calibre in your team – someone who’s incredible on the ball, plays for Real Madrid and does brilliant things – but above all, his commitment off the ball – that will inspire all the other players,” continued Keane.
Bellingham’s performance was more than goals and assists
The statistics from the Croatia match show just how complete Bellingham’s performance was.
Alongside his goal and three assists, he created eight chances, with four classified as big chances.
He completed both of his attempted crosses, found his target with six of seven long balls and successfully completed four of six dribbles.
Jude Bellingham, England and Real Madrid player
Bellingham was directly involved in four of England’s seven goals vs Croatia. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)
That creativity came with the physical presence that has become a major part of his game.
Real Madrid star dominates Croatia
Bellingham also won eight duels against Croatia and added an interception, two recoveries and two further defensive contributions.
He was also fouled three times as Croatia struggled to deal with his strength and ability to drive forward.
The performance offered another example of why Bellingham is increasingly influential for both Real Madrid and England.
His attacking output is obvious, but his willingness to press, defend, create, and carry the ball gives him an influence across almost every phase of the game.
Jose Mourinho backed by FC Porto president to revive Real Madrid fortunes: ‘Still one of the best in the world’
President Andre Villas-Boas of FC Porto
Photo by Gualter Fatia/Getty Images
Andre Villas-Boas has thrown his support behind Jose Mourinho, insisting the Real Madrid manager remains one of the best coaches in world football despite the difficult challenge facing him at the Santiago Bernabeu.
The former Porto manager, now the club’s president, believes Mourinho is well suited to the task of rebuilding Real Madrid after being appointed by Florentino Perez last summer.
Real Madrid are still searching for their first major trophy after two disappointing campaigns, while Barcelona have made an imposing start to the season.
Villas-Boas backs Mourinho at Real Madrid
Mourinho’s appointment was intended to bring a change in fortunes after Real Madrid endured two seasons without a major title.
His task, however, has become more complicated with Barcelona establishing themselves as a formidable force at the start of the campaign.
Villas-Boas nevertheless believes his compatriot has the experience and personality required for the challenge.
Jose Mourinho, Real Madrid manager
Andre Villas-Boas has backed Jose Mourinho. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
“Jose Mourinho is still one of the best in the world; I’ve always known that. And now he’s managing the best club in the world.
“It’s a shame that Barcelona are in this state. He’s taking over at a great time, just as he did when he left Inter.
“But these are the challenges Mourinho enjoys the most,” he said, according to AS.
Barcelona present Mourinho’s biggest challenge
Real Madrid’s task is made harder by Barcelona’s current form. Flick’s side have emerged as the early pace-setters, leaving Mourinho with little margin for error as he attempts to close the gap.
The Clasico on October 25, therefore, will inevitably become one of the defining fixtures of the season, but Real Madrid first need to establish greater consistency before they can challenge Barcelona across the campaign.
Jose Mourinho, head coach of Real Madrid
Barcelona’s current form has put pressure on Jose Mourinho. (Photo by Christian Bruna/Getty Images)
Mourinho was brought in precisely because of his experience of managing at the highest level, and Villas-Boas believes that experience can now be decisive.
Sneijder also backs Real Madrid boss
Villas-Boas is not the only former Mourinho associate to offer a strong assessment of his ability to change Madrid’s fortunes.
Wesley Sneijder, who worked with Mourinho at Inter and before playing for Real Madrid, has also backed the Portuguese coach to solve the problems at the Bernabéu.
“Mourinho is the only manager capable of turning Real Madrid’s fortunes around,” he had said.
Indeed, Mourinho is one of the finest coaches available to manage the current Real Madrid dressing room, but Barcelona’s current form has put pressure on the Portuguese to deliver instantly.