‘Massive’… Pep Guardiola says £88m player Man City were linked with has been incredible this season 

Redaction Simon Brett with James Thompson
Published on 2024-03-16 13:30:00

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has given his assessment of Jude Bellingham’s debut season at Real Madrid. City was one of the clubs linked with the midfielder during the previous summer transfer window before he made a move to the Spanish club for an initial fee of over £88m.

As the two teams have been drawn together for this season’s Champions League quarter-finals, Guardiola has shared his thoughts on Bellingham and his performance in Spain so far. Guardiola highlighted Bellingham’s massive impact on the team, noting the significant difference he has made since his arrival at Real Madrid.

Since joining Carlo Ancelotti’s side, Bellingham has made 31 appearances across all competitions, scoring 20 goals and providing nine assists. In La Liga, Bellingham has stood out by making more passes into the penalty area and more blocks than any other player at the club, showcasing his effectiveness both on and off the ball.

With an impressive season rating of 7.78/10 from WhoScored, Bellingham has become the highest-rated player in La Liga and the fourth-highest-rated player across the top five European leagues. Guardiola emphasized the significance of Bellingham’s contributions in Spain this season and the need for City to pay close attention to him during their upcoming match against Real.

Overall, Bellingham’s performance and impact at Real Madrid have been remarkable, earning him recognition as one of the standout players in La Liga. As City prepares to face Real in the Champions League, Guardiola acknowledges the challenge of containing Bellingham and his influence on the field.

Read Original article on Manchester City News