JUDE’S THE RAUL DEAL
JUDE BELLINGHAM is already destined to become one of Real Madrid’s all-time greats, according to Raul.
The Spanish striker, one of Los Blancos’ most iconic goalscorers, was speaking in the wake of Bellingham’s last-gasp winner against Barcelona in Sunday night’s El Clasico, which ended 3-2.
The England midfielder, 20, has made a storming start to life in Madrid after snubbing interest from elsewhere.
And Raul has seen enough already to declare that Bellingham – who won the Breakthrough of the Year award at the Laureus World Sport Awards last night – will go on to become a Bernabeu legend.
The Laureus Academy member said: “Bellingham has been the player who’s impressed me the most, given how young he is.
“I was lucky enough to be in his first press conference, he speaks as a veteran already. It’s as if he has already been at Real Madrid for a long time.
“It is really, really hard to find a player like that and fans love him because of the way he is and the way he plays.
“He makes his goals to win El Clasico but he plays well and gives extra when things are difficult.
“He connects with people as well and that’s why he’s going to be special.
“I am sure he is going to be a legend in Real Madrid for a long, long time.”
He becomes the first-ever footballer to win the Breakthrough award after beating off competition from the likes of Scottish middle distance runner Josh Kerr and tennis prodigy Coco Gauff.
■ The 25th Laureus World Sports Awards took place last night in Madrid, celebrating the leading names in sport from across the globe. To find out more, visit www.laureus.com