Real Madrid see Bellingham as Benzema's replacement
Jacque Talbot
- Updated: 27 Aug 2023 04:34 CDT
- 3 min read
Carlo Ancelotti has been full of praise for Jude Bellingham after the England international’s spellbinding start to life at Real Madrid.
The Italian boss has even claimed that the youngster is filling the boots of Karim Benzema.
Bellingham has already netted three goals in his first two appearances for Real Madrid in their La Liga campaign.
The club opted not to sign a replacement for Benzema in the No.9 role. Instead, the goals have been coming from Bellingham in the No.10 position.
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Benzema left to join Saudi Arabia side Al-Ittihad this summer window and Real decided not to bring in a direct replacement, though Kylian Mbappe remains to be linked.
Ancelotti has used Bellingham as an attacking midfield who sits just behind two strikers, and it’s worked wonders so far.
The veteran coach was asked about Madrid's refusal to sign a striker after Benzema's departure, and he replied to Radio Serie A: “We believe that the arrival of Bellingham covers the absence of Karim. [Bellingham] is a serious, mature boy with a lot of quality. What he is doing is not surprising to those of us who know him, what is surprising is that he is only 20 years old."
Benzema scored 354 goals across 648 goals for Real - his campaign last term saw him awarded the prestigious Ballon d’Or award.
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Bellingham takes Benzema's spot
The Frenchman moved to Al-Ittihad in the Saudi Pro League this summer window, leaving a gaping hole where he once was.
Bellingham scored an 81st-minute winner as his club overcame Celta Vigo. The former Borussia Dortmund man headed home late on to seal all three points for Los Blancos.
Rodrygo had his second-half penalty saved after he was taken down inside the box, but Real managed to continue their 100% winning start to the campaign.
