Xabi Alonso hailed Jude Bellingham as “one of the most complete players in world football” after the midfielder scored the only goal in Real Madrid’s 1-0 Champions League defeat of Juventus.
Bellingham was on hand to fire home after 57 minutes, reacting first after Vinicius Jr’s shot had come back off the post.
It was a timely nudge to England boss Thomas Tuchel, who left the former Borussia Dortmund man out of his most recent squad, and Alonso was full of praise for Bellingham afterwards.
“Regardless of the goal, it was a really complete performance from him. It was a difficult game, with very little space, but I was really impressed with him against Getafe, and again today,” he said.
“Then he got the goal as well. I’m thrilled with him, but especially with how he won the ball back time and again, and took up good positions in the box. I’m really pleased for him.”
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Bellingham keeps Madrid perfect in Champions League
Bellingham’s tireless work in the centre of the field helped Madrid maintain their 100% record in this year’s Champions League and they seem well set to cruise into the round of 16.
“He’s got the ability to be involved in building the play, and the determination to get on the end of things too,” Alonso added on the 22-year-old.
“He covers a lot of ground and he’s so versatile. He knows how to break from the second line and he’s got that hunger to score goals.
“He’s one of the most complete players in world football and I’m fortunate to have him here.
“I ask him to take on a key role and get involved in the game. He’s hungry to win, to score goals and to improve.”
We’re in good shape before Clasico – Alonso
Next up for Madrid is the first Clasico of the season with Barcelona visiting the Santiago Bernabeu on Sunday.
Madrid go into the game with a two-point advantage over their arch-rivals at the top of La Liga.
“We are where we are, and we’re in good shape,” said Alonso. “We’ll see what happens on Sunday. We have to recover well tomorrow and then prepare for the game.
“We’re on an upward trajectory and it’s a positive thing. The Clásico is hugely significant, because of the game itself, the league table, and the repercussions.
“We understand the significance of Sunday’s game, but we’re not going to read too much into it. We know it’s hugely important and we’ll treat it as such.
“It’s too early to be decisive in the league, but of course, it has an impact in the moment. It’s a red-letter day on the calendar, for sure.”
Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: 101greatgoals.com
