Joleon Lescott and Rio Ferdinand hail 'phenomenal' Jude Bellingham’s incredible progress at Real Madrid

TNT Sports experts Joleon Lescott and Rio Ferdinand waxed lyrical about Jude Bellingham’s amazing start to life at Real Madrid, saying his impact at the Bernabeu has been "phenomenal".

The pair were discussing how seamlessly the 20-year-old has slotted into life in Madrid, choosing him as the outstanding player in the UEFA Champions League across the first three matchdays.

Last month, Bellingham was recognised for a stellar year with his Kopa Trophy award at the Ballon d’Or ceremony.

“His start at Real Madrid is almost unparalleled when we are talking about all the greats at the football club down the years,” Ferdinand told TNT Sports ahead of another manic Champions League night.

“Every time we do a game, his name crops up at critical moments for Real Madrid; he is influencing and impacting one of the greatest teams on the planet, and one of the greatest clubs in this competition.

“Nothing seems to faze him, and it's even more beautiful that he's one of our own. His impact coming into a new club alone, never mind the status of Real Madrid, is phenomenal.”

Ferdinand also spoke about the way in which the midfielder has seamlessly slotted into life in a new club, and how he presents himself incredibly well despite his tender age.

“He seems to have set a new level as well when you go to a new club and say: ‘you need a bit of grace, a year to acclimatise’. He said 'no', ripped it up and said 'I'm here now'.

“He's got the ability, but he's got the mentality not to be phased. You can throw a camera in front of him and a mic under his nose after a game when the emotions have been high, and you throw him into an award ceremony. He doesn't trip over his words; he's phenomenal."

Those sentiments were echoed by Lescott, who believes that Bellingham is the complete package in terms of his playing ability and the way he conducts himself off the pitch.

“He speaks and plays with so much maturity above his age. He plays with elegance, and also, passion.

“We've seen that some of the biggest names in football at Real Madrid have really taken to him.

“This is no disrespect to him, as I don't think we've seen anything from him that we haven't seen before from world-class talent, but he's doing it all together.

“He's doing it nine times out of 10 and produces what the moment requires.”

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