Jude Bellingham admits he’s been left ‘lost for words’ by Kylian Mbappe & Vinicius Jr but insists he’s ‘earned’ the right to play alongside Real Madrid superstars

Huge expectations have been placed on Madrid now that the England, France and Brazil stars are playing together for the reigning European and Spanish champions. Madrid’s big names have been criticised for some disappointing performances this season, but they continue to stun Bellingham.

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  WHAT BELLINGHAM SAID

  Asked in an Instagram Q&A with Versus what it is like to play alongside the pair, Bellingham said: “It took some 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.”

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  The 21-year-old attacking midfielder is yet to score in his eight appearances for Madrid this season, resulting in criticism from the Spanish media. Despite having Bellingham, Mbappe and Vinicius at their disposal, Madrid have already dropped points on three occasions in La Liga to fall three behind Barcelona, and also suffered a shock defeat at Lille in the Champions League.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR MADRID?

  Madrid will return to La Liga action on Saturday when they face Celta. Three days later, they take on Bellingham’s former team Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League.