"Took some getting used to but now you just see them as normal people" - Real Madrid star on playing with Mbappe, Vinicius Jr and Rodrygo
Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham recently shared his experience of playing alongside Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Jr, and Rodrygo at the Spanish club. Bellingham moved to Los Blancos from Borussia Dortmund in 2023 for a reported €103 million.
Since his transfer, Bellingham has shared the pitch 37 times with Vinicius Jr and 47 times with Rodrygo, recording eight and two joint-goal contributions, respectively. Kylian Mbappe joined the trio from Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) this summer as a free agent. Bellingham has recorded two joint-goal contributions in seven games played together with the former PSG star so far.
In a recent conversation with UK-based digital publication VERSUS, Bellingham opened up about playing alongside Vinicius Jr, Mbappe, and Rodrygo at Real Madrid. He said:
"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."
Before the Frenchman's arrival this season, Jude Bellingham, Vini Jr and Rodrygo's trio worked wonders for Real Madrid in attack. The Spanish giants won the UEFA Champions League, LaLiga, and Supercopa de Espana in the 2023-24 season. The trio scored 64 goals together, including Bellingham's 23, Vinicius's 24 and Rodrygo's 17.
In the absence of a traditional striker, Bellingham was utilized in the number 10 position and given the freedom to drift into the box.
However, Mbappe is now the starting striker, while Bellingham operates as a midfielder. The French superstar has scored seven goals and recorded one assist in 11 appearances for the Merengues so far.
"He has so much technical quality" - When Jude Bellingham showered praise on his Real Madrid teammate Kylian Mbappe
Kylian Mbappe scored his first goal for Real Madrid in his debut game in the UEFA Super Cup. Los Blancos defeated Atalanta 2-0, with the French forward scoring in the 68th minute after being set up by Jude Bellingham. The win also marked the star forward's first trophy with Los Blancos.
In the post-match press conference, Bellingham spoke highly of his new teammate, and appreciated his work ethic. He said (via beIN SPORTS):
"He's brilliant, he's so sharp and he has so much technical quality. He's a great team-mate as well. He doesn't just rely on the quality he has, he works like a dog as well. Full credit to him and he deserves it tonight."
The French superstar's goal marked the first time a Real Madrid player found the net on his debut since Jude Bellingham. The Englishman made his mark on his Los Blancos debut last season in a LaLiga game against Athletic Bilbao. Real Madrid won the game 2-0, courtesy of goals from Rodrygo (28') and Bellingham (36').
Despite a stellar attack and stacked midfield, Ancelotti's men are currently second in LaLiga table with 21 points. They are three points behind their league rivals Barcelona.