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Frank Leboeuf Compares Jude Bellingham’s ‘Class’ to Real Madrid Legend Fernando Redondo

Published 02/03/2024, 12:51 AM EST

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via Reuters

Why has Real Madrid softened their stance on Kylian Mbappe? It is perhaps because they have found their generational star signing in the Englishman Jude Bellingham. The 20-year-old is one of the most versatile players out there. Technically, he is a midfielder. But he is La Liga’s top scorer for the ongoing season with 14 goals. Besides, he extends his services to Los Blancos’ defensive third as well. Thanks to this versatility, the English superstar earned comparisons to Real Madrid’s legendary #5 from the 90’s, Fernando Redondo.

In a recent ESPN FC episode, soccer veteran and pundit Ale Moreno remarked that his eyes will be fixed on Jude Bellingham as Real Madrid takes on Atletico Madrid in a couple of days. Meanwhile, French legend Frank Leboeuf claimed that the star midfielder already belongs to a class of the club’s most elite midfielders.

Jude Bellingham is lauded to be a ‘combination’ of 2 Real Madrid greats!

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After Ale Moreno hailed Jude Bellingham, Frank Leboeuf was asked how one could stop the Madrid centerpiece. The Frenchman said opponents need to make sure nobody passes the ball to the Englishman. Soon the co-host asked Leboeuf which player reminded him of the youngster. “When I see Bellingham, the class and the way he performs and the way he holds his body, made me think of [Fernando] Redondo…When I see Bellingham, I see Redondo. I see the same type of player who is so crucial in a defensive way and an offensive way,” the Frenchman claimed.

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Moreno agreed with Leboeuf’s comparison. He added Jude Bellingham is a ‘combination‘ of different players. Thereafter, Moreno drew parallels between the 20-year-old and Brazil legend Kaka. He said the Madrid superstar gains more speed while running with the ball; a quality the likes of Kaka possessed in his prime. With no plans to stop comparing, Moreno added that Bellingham’s versatile gameplay also reminded him of Uruguayan legend Enzo Francescoli. Soon, Leboeuf again chimed in and elevated JB to a class of the world’s greatest midfielders!

Leboeuf pips Bellingham to be in a golden bracket that includes Zinedine Zidane!

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Frank Leboeuf first reminded Moreno that Enzo Fransescoli was Zinedine Zidane’s favorite player. Then he said, “So we run into a circle. Bellingham, Redondo, Francescoli, Zidane, fantastic players, different class. Bellingham belongs to those players, already. If he doesn’t get injured until the end of his career, he is going to be those kind of players. That’s for sure. I can sign it immediately”. 

Jude Bellingham has scored 18 goals and contributed 8 assists in 27 appearances for Real Madrid this season. Carlo Ancelotti deploys him as an attacking midfielder, a midfielder on both left and right sides, and even as a left winger. Madrid has seen his best when he plays as an attacking midfielder. The same position was graced by the legendary Zidane.

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What are your thoughts on Jude Bellingham earning legendary comparisons at a young age? Tell us in the comments.

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Written by:

Krishna Prasad M

980Articles

One take at a time

My journey as a sports aficionado was not colored by soccer initially. The 2006 FIFA World Cup, however, changed me, as I fell in love with the beautiful game. From cheering on Real Madrid to channeling an inner analyst with my pals during every other World Cup and kicking the ball timelessly, soccer is now a therapy for me with boundless conversations.
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Edited by:

Daniel D'Cruz