Jude Bellingham 'not surprised at all' after Kylian Mbappe strike for Real Madrid in Champions League against Stuttgart
Updated 18/09/2024 at 11:28 GMT+1
Jude Bellingham discussed Kylian Mbappe's immediate impact in the Real Madrid side, as Los Blancos started their defence of the Champions League trophy with a 3-1 win over Stuttgart. Endrick and Antonio Rudiger were also on target for the hosts, while the Bundesliga side found the net through Deniz Undav. Bellingham was making his first appearance for Carlo Ancelotti's side since August 18.
Highlights: Mbappe and Endrick score as Real Madrid survive Stuttgart scare
Video credit: TNT Sports
Jude Bellingham hailed another standout moment in Kylian Mbappe’s career after the Frenchman scored on his UEFA Champions League debut for Real Madrid.
Mbappe broke the deadlock in a 3-1 victory over Stuttgart at the Bernabeu after slotting home from Rodrygo’s cross.
Bellingham explained how quickly Mbappe has settled into life in the Spanish capital, telling TNT Sports: "It’s what he does, I'm not surprised at all. I didn't even realise it was his debut, I just thought it's another game he'll score in.
"He always delivers so far, it's a lot of pressure coming to a club like Madrid, but he's taken to it really easily and the lads love him already.
"He's going to be a huge player for us, this season and beyond."
The England midfielder also reflected on the loss of the “irreplaceable” Toni Kroos, and is confident that Los Blancos will learn to cope without the retired influential German midfielder.
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'He always delivers' - Bellingham says Real Madrid players 'love' Mbappe
Video credit: TNT Sports
"It's definitely a new-look team, we've changed a few things," Bellingham continued.
"The loss of Toni is huge in terms of the rhythm and the way we play, and he's such a player and is irreplaceable, so we have to find different ways to cover his hole.
"It's getting a lot better. We're going to lose balls, we're going to miss chances, we're going to misplace passes, but as long as we keep on this path, working hard, putting ourselves to connect and learn with each other, we'll be fine."
Bellingham was making his return from a muscular injury, with his last appearance coming in the 1-1 draw against Real Mallorca on the opening day of the Liga season.
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"Three-and-a-half weeks [out] has been difficult. I've not been injured a lot in my career, so whenever it happens, I'm a bit impatient," he said.
“But this time I wanted to take it slowly and agreed this would be the game I came back in – maybe off the bench – but I was buzzing to start. In the first half, I left it all out there, I was that excited and all over the place, just wanting to create and get in the box.
“Second half, I probably just ran out of a bit of steam, so I stayed a little bit deeper, but I'm getting used to being back, finding my feet again and I'm sure I'll be fine this season."
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Endrick ignores Mbappe, Vinicius runs before firing home on Champions League debut
Video credit: TNT Sports
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