‘Rare to find this quality’ – Carlo Ancelotti impressed with Jude Bellingham as England star makes Real Madrid debut

Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti lauded England international Jude Bellingham as a player of “rare quality” after the midfielder made his first appearance for the Spaniards in a pre-season friendly.

Bellingham started in a 3-2 win for Real against AC Milan in Los Angeles, helping his side battle back from two goals down to win at the Pasadena Rose Bowl.

Flashes of the England star’s ability were on show as he pulled on a Merengues shirt for the first time since making an £88 million switch from Borussia Dortmund in June.

"It is rare to find player with this kind of quality," Ancelotti said after the game.

"He is only 20, so he can improve. We are lucky to have him in our squad.

"He was fantastic. He has a lot of rhythm, moves well and has quality finding open spaces."

Bellingham’s fellow Englishman Fikayo Tomori opened the scoring in LA before youngster Luka Romero doubled the Rossoneri’s advantage before the break.

But two goals from Federico Valverde and a superb Vinicius Junior winner turned the match around in the second half.

Ancelotti deployed Bellingham at the top of a midfield diamond, with Toni Kroos at the base and Valverde partnering Eduardo Camavinga in the middle.

And his opponent Tomori was impressed by what he saw.

"He is so elegant and will be a really good player for them,” Tomori told BBC Sport.

“He said he has gelled in well and a few of the guys speak English, which makes it easier for him.

"It is good to see so many English players move to different countries. I know the Premier League is big, but there is football beyond that."

Bellingham will have further chances to show his class in upcoming pre-season games against Manchester United, Barcelona and Juventus.

The La Liga season kicks off on Saturday, August 12, with Ancelotti’s side travelling to Athletic Club in Bilbao.

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