Jude Bellingham earns Zinedine Zidane comparison from Carlo Ancelotti after Real Madrid win over Girona

Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti likened Jude Bellingham to France legend Zinedine Zidane following the club’s statement 4-0 victory over title chasers Girona.

Madrid moved five points clear at the top of La Liga with the win, helped by Bellingham netting his 15th and 16th league goals of the campaign.

The English midfielder, who dons Zidane's iconic No. 5 shirt, has already found the net more times in a single league campaign than the Frenchman ever managed during his five illustrious years at the club.

Bellingham has now scored 20 goals in 29 games across all competitions in his debut season.

Ancelotti has been delighted with the impact he has made since his summer arrival and was full of praise for the 20-year-old after Madrid took control of the title race.

“There are things about the way he plays that remind me of Zidane, it's his extraordinary quality on the ball,” Ancelotti said after the Girona victory.

“Zidane may have been even better technically but Bellingham combines it with how he gets into the box.

“There are few players in the world who can match his movement for his first goal."

Despite his match-winning performance, Ancelotti revealed that Bellingham picked up a sprained ankle which the club will asses on Sunday.

“I hope we can have him fit for Tuesday,” Ancelotti said, looking ahead to Madrid’s UEFA Champions League last 16 away leg against RB Leipzig, live on TNT Sports.

“There are games he hasn't been involved in and others have come in and contributed a lot, like Brahim (Diaz) and Joselu. We broke records for injuries today with four centre-backs out."

Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo were also on target for Madrid as they boosted their hopes of reclaiming the league title from Barcelona.

Ancelotti said the victory was a “big statement” considering the level of opposition, but wary that the return of the Champions League will make their title bid trickier.

“It is a big statement in the fight for La Liga because Girona are a great team who hadn't lost away from home,” Ancelotti said.

“The game plan was fairly simple: high press in the opposition half, man-to-man at times to wrest possession from Girona, and in our half we had to show patience and stay compact.

“Girona push really well with their full-backs but on the transitions, we were able to hurt them with Vini Jr. and Rodrygo on the outside.

“We're a game and a draw ahead at this stage of the season, but that's all it is: a slight advantage. We're well placed."

On the return of European football on Tuesday, Ancelotti added: “We've done a great job so far but the Champions League will add to our fatigue and we must continue to show commitment and the right attitude.”

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