“It took some getting used to” - Jude Bellingham on playing with Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Jr. and Rodrygo at Real Madrid
Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham has opened up on how it feels like playing alongside teammates Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Jr., and Rodrygo. He said it took some time to get used to playing alongside the three stars.
During a recent interview with Versus (via Madrid Xtra on X), Bellingham said he initially struggled with the reality of playing with Mbappe, Vinicius, and Rodrygo. Although he has gotten used to it, the 21-year-old continues to get amazed by their skills at times.
“It took some time getting used to but now you just see them as normal people. In the first few weeks, I had to remind myself that I’m here playing with them for a reason, because I’ve earned it. But occasionally, they do things that leave me a little bit lost for words, and I’d like to think they feel the same when they see some of the things I can do on the pitch too,” he said.
Bellingham, Vinicius, and Rodrygo formed the core of Real Madrid's attack last season. The trio produced a combined 64 goals and 33 assists, helping Los Blancos to the league title, UEFA Champions League, and Supercopa Espana.
Meanwhile, Mbappe joined in the summer as a free agent from Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), further bolstering Madrid's attacking options. There were concerns about how Carlo Ancelotti would manage the array of attacking talents at his disposal.
However, the Italian has managed to get all four players delivering. Bellingham has been deployed in a more central midfield role, Mbappe plays as the centre forward, while Vinicius and Rodrygo operate from the left and right flanks, respectively.
How have Bellingham, Vinicius, Mbappe, and Rodrygo performed for Real Madrid this season?
Real Madrid have enjoyed a good start to the 2024-25 season. Carlo Ancelotti’s side have played 11 matches across competitions so far. They have won seven, drawn three, and lost one.
Jude Bellingham has played majorly as an attacking midfielder this season. He is yet to find the net after eight games but has registered two assists. Kylian Mbaape is Los Blancos' leading goal-scorer this term. The Frenchman has recorded seven goals and an assist in 11 games as the main striker.
Vincius Jr, meanwhile has had the most goal involvement for the team this term. The Brazilian has scored four goals and provided seven assists in 12 games. Rodrygo, meanwhile has produced three goals and two assists in 11 outings.
Real Madrid are second in LaLiga with 21 points after nine games, three points behind rivals Barcelona. In the UEFA Champions League, they are 17th on the table with three points after two matches.