Manchester City head coach Pep Guardiola has today opened up on his admiration for Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham.
As much, of course, comes as the Spanish tactician begins preparations towards containing the Blancos standout, during the upcoming showdown between the clubs.
City, on Friday morning, discovered their fate for the quarter-finals of the Champions League.
For the fourth time in the last five years, the Sky Blues have been pitted against the might of competition specialists Real Madrid, with a spot in the last four, on this occasion, on the line.
Last season, the English and Spanish giants faced off for a place in the Champions League final, with the former having sent Carlo Ancelotti’s troops packing in dominant fashion, courtesy of a 4-0 return leg drubbing at The Etihad.
Last time out, however, City did not need to worry about the contributions of the aforementioned Jude Bellingham.
Midfielder Bellingham of course took his talents to Madrid last summer, since going on to establish himself as, in the eyes of most, the club’s star performer.
All told, across his first 31 appearances in the colours of Real, the England international – still just 20 years of age – has racked up an eye-watering 29 goal contributions.
Speaking to the media in the aftermath of his side’s Champions League quarter-final opponents being confirmed, it therefore came as little surprise when the subject of Bellingham’s impact on the threat posed by Real as a collective was put to Man City boss Pep Guardiola.
And the Spaniard was not shy in heaping praise on the youngster, in responding:
“Obviously his impact has been massive. It’s a different team from last season. His influence is obvious. You have to try to discover what he does to control him.”
Conor Laird | GSFN
