EXCL: Teddy Sheringham praises Real Madrid superstar Jude Bellingham – 'He's in control of everything'

There is absolutely no doubt that Jude Bellingham has been one of the best players in the world over the last 12 months. Real Madrid paid more than €100 million to sign him from Borussia Dortmund last summer, and remarkably, it's already starting to look like a bargain.

Bellingham is celebrated widely in Madrid, and is equally praised in England, his country of origin. He is currently representing the Three Lions at Euro 2024, and as expected has been their most decisive player, scoring twice in four appearances – including the stoppage equalizer against Slovakia, which helped England in the quarterfinals. The 21-year-old has a knack for scoring late goals, having also grabbed two stoppage-time winners against Barcelona last season.

English football icon Teddy Sheringham has watched Bellingham with awe over the past 12 months. Speaking to Football España in collaboration with Poker sitesSheringham credited Bellingham's decision to move to Real Madrid, and the impact he made in the Spanish capital.

“He took two very brave steps already in his career. He was so young when he went to Borussia Dortmund, it was a massive move to a very big club. He did so well here, and then he went to Real Madrid it was like a fairy tale for him when he's only 19/20 years old. He's already learning the language. I can't seem to get enough of him he is in control of everything he does.”

As mentioned, Bellingham has come up with some clutch moments in the past year, with the last one being that goal against Slovakia. Sheringham discussed why he thinks the midfielder is so good at coming up with these decisive moments.

“He produced great moments in football matches. You hope that the ball falls to Kane or Bellingham, players who are at the top of their game and full of confidence, even when they are not playing well. His goal against Slovakia it was more instinct than anything, I don't know if he practiced it before. He's a player who expected to fall to him, that's why he's so good, and that's why you want him to have the ball all the time.”

Due to his exploits during the 2023-24 season, which included 23 times for Real Madrid in all competitions, Bellingham is one of the favorites to win the 2024 Ballon d'Or – remarkably, at the age of 21 . Sheringham believes that a compatriot would fully deserve the award, although he admitted that it is not certain at this stage whether it will become a reality.

“Without a doubt (Bellingham would deserve the Ballon d'Or). He had an incredible first season at Real Madrid, his first in Spain at a massive club. A lot of people would have shied away from that, but he's been phenomenal.

“He came with two goals at Euro 2024 so far, and I know that Vinicius had scored two for Brazil in the Copa America. Both players are in the frame, and I think it could come down to which team progresses further in the his competition. If Bellingham can lead England to glory, I think it would seal it for him.”

Bellingham played mainly as a false nine for Real Madrid last season, and at Euro 2024, he played just behind the striker. 2024-25 could see the England international move deeper to accommodate the departure of Toni Kroos, especially if Carlo Ancelotti reverts to 4-3-3 due to the arrival of Kylian Mbappe.

Sheringham believes that Bellingham will not lose any effectiveness if he were to play deeper, and in fact, he expects him to be even more decisive.

“I think he could equally succeed if he played in a deeper role for Real Madrid. Personally, I want him to play that role for England at Euro 2024. If he plays in that No. 8 role, I don't think it changes too much for him. I think he prefers to receive the ball deeper anyway, so he can join in the early stages of the game, but also allows him to arrive late in the box to score goals – which he can do because he has impeccable timing.

“He is more than good enough to play as an 8, but he joins the attack and continues to score goals. His positive attitude is fantastic. Personally, I see him a little better playing in a deeper role, compared to who played for Real Madrid and England. His style reminds me of Zidane, in the sense that he has such good technical ability as a tall player. His ability to play in tight spaces is unique, and the way he sets up players effortlessly reminds me a lot of Zidane.”

There's no doubt that Bellingham's last 12 months have been the stuff of dreams, and if he can lead England to Euro 2024 glory, that would be the crowning glory. Real Madrid They are cheering him on, and will be hoping he can continue to replicate his domestic form as the years go by.