Real Madrid are once again celebrating high-flyer Jude Bellingham. Meanwhile, Carlo Ancelotti humorously wiped away the looming problem with Antonio Rudiger.
Real Madrid fans witnessed the next memorable Jude Bellingham moment on Saturday afternoon. The Englishman scored his seventh and eighth league goals in a 4-0 win over Osasuna – surpassing even Cristiano Ronaldo’s former rocket start of December 2009.
“He’s incredible,” enthused Vinicius Junior of the 26-time England senior international (two goals) after the final whistle: “He was born to play for Real Madrid and make his mark on an era here.” He added that the Brazilian could get used to striker alongside Bellingham. He said he hoped it would be “a connection for years to come”. “I enjoy playing with him. “
Dani Carvajal also underlined Bellingham’s importance. “Possibly he can bring us titles,” said the Spanish full-back, who could almost have got himself on the scoresheet with a fine shot from outside the box in the closing stages.
Real coach Carlo Ancelotti had probably reached his team with the right words, especially at half-time. After the change of ends, the royals played their opponents Osasuna to the wall at times and could have won even more. Goal-scorer Joselu, who missed a brace because of a poorly taken penalty, is, along with Raul and Javier Portillo, only one of three Spaniards to score at least five times in his first nine league games this millennium.
“Real Madrid play good football, Real Madrid always play good football,” Ancelotti clarified in the direction of the doubters, smiling as he added: “Sometimes criticism is welcome, so thank you for the criticism. “
“But it doesn’t matter if he is the best or not “
On the subject of Bellingham, the Italian vacillated between euphoria brake and praise. Ancelotti didn’t want to draw the comparison with CR7: “It doesn’t matter much what we say. Real Madrid are lucky to have signed such a player. As a coach, I am very happy. But it doesn’t matter if he is the best or not.”
When evaluating Bellingham, many often forget “that he is 20 years old. He’s very mature and a very quick learner.” The Englishman’s humility and groundedness also impress Ancelotti, who always perceives “great seriousness and professionalism” in the goalscorer on duty.
Meanwhile, the next problem looms in the already beleaguered defensive centre. Antonio Rüdiger received his fourth yellow card against Osasuna and would be suspended for one match if he receives another warning. Alongside the German international, a midfielder in Aurelien Tchouameni defended on Saturday as Ancelotti ran out of alternatives.
“I haven’t spoken to him about a possible suspension nor will I tell him that he will miss the next yellow,” the Real coach said frankly: “If he gets the fifth, we’ll put someone else on.” His addition caused laughter among the journalists. “After all, we have many central defenders.” Just not currently available.
Rüdiger’s unfortunate timing of cautions
Meanwhile, in Spain they criticised the times at which Rüdiger picked up his yellow cards: against Vigo in the 93rd minute, against Getafe in the 48th minute and against Girona in the 95th minute. At least the centre-back “stepped up” against Osasuna because he was already cautioned in the 40th minute. With the away games at FC Sevilla (21 October) and FC Barcelona (end of October) approaching, Ancelotti would certainly not mind if Rüdiger delayed the fifth caution a little longer.
