Former Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has high praise for Jude Bellingham who he has compared to Kaka.
Bellingham was named on the bench for England’s World Cup qualifier against Serbia on Thursday as manager Thomas Tuchel experimented with his squad once again. The 22-year-old has been snubbed by Tuchel numerous times in a move that has summed up Bellingham’s season so far.
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Ancelotti compares Bellingham to Kaka
Ancelotti was Real Madrid boss when Bellingham was signed from Borussia Dortmund for £88M in 2023. Now, he is back n London for Brazil’s friendly with Senegal at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
The legendary manager opened up on Bellingham this week and compared him to the iconic Kaka, who is recognized as one of the world’s greatest ever midfielders.
“I think Jude is a fantastic player. If I have to compare, we were talking about Kaka. He is this kind of player, a really intelligent player, who is physically really strong, fantastic to arrive in the box at the right time.
“He’s doing really well, and maybe he had a problem with his shoulder. He was out for two or three months, now he’s back. No question mark. But why do you have to put a question mark on Bellingham?”
He added on Bellingham’s attitude problems: “No, I never had a problem with Jude about his attitude. He is really professional, really serious, works hard in training, like all English players do. And no, no complaints.”
Is Bellingham the best in the world?
Asked if Bellingham was one of the best midfielders in the world, Ancelotti laughed and admitted that he is currently up there with the greatest on the planet.
Jude “What do you expect me to say? Yes or no? Of course. One of the best. I had a good relationship with him. He helped me to win one Champions League in 2024.
“So for me, I am a little bit involved in the judgement of Jude Bellingham, but he is a good guy and a great player.”
After scoring three goals and adding an assist in 11 games for the Spanish giants so far this season, Bellingham has dropped slightly from his peak. As he slowly returns to full fitness, the midfielder will surely come out of his shell as Madrid continue their title race and aim for another Champions League victory.
