Former Real Madrid midfielder Steve McManaman believes Jude Bellingham has the potential to reach the same legendary status as some of the sport’s greatest icons, such as Zinedine Zidane, Alfredo Di Stefano, and Ferenc Puskas, by the end of his career.
In an interview with TNT Sports (via EuroSport), McManaman predicted Bellingham’s meteoric rise, which might propel him to legendary status at Real Madrid.
At just 20 years old, the midfielder has made quite an impression since joining Real Madrid from Borussia Dortmund for an estimated sum of roughly €103 million without add-ons, netting 13 goals in 14 appearances.
Madrid’s history is a source of great inspiration.
McManaman enjoyed considerable success in Madrid during his four-year stay, winning two La Liga crowns and as many UEFA Champions League wins.
He feels Bellingham might be inspired by individuals who have already graced the hallowed grounds of the Santiago Bernabeu.
“To play for Real Madrid, you must be successful. “That comes with the glitz and glam of playing for Real Madrid,” McManaman said.
“They are the most successful football club in European history, so he will have to carry on winning trophies and add to the history of Real Madrid to become one of the greats,” said the Spaniard.
He added that all Bellingham has to do to get true inspiration is to stare at the walls of Santiago Bernabeu.
“There are many things to help him improve because all he has to do is look at the Bernabeu walls and see [Alfredo] Di Stefano, [Ferenc] Puskas, Raul, [Zinedine] Zidane, while [Cristiano] Ronaldo, [Luka] Modric, and [Toni] Kroos have all won five Champions Leagues.”
“These people around you will drive you forward, and hopefully make him a better player, because then we will feel the benefit when he’s got an England shirt on,” he went on to say.
Never apply pressure.
While McManaman praised Bellingham’s strong start in Madrid, he also emphasized the need of not putting too much pressure on young players.
“We put so much pressure on them; I remember Theo Walcott got into the England team [at the age of 17], and you were thinking: ‘Was it too soon?'”
“I prefer to give them space to breathe, settle, develop, and mature.”
“As an ex-player, I can say that Zidane, like the Brazilian Ronaldo, was a world star.” Cristiano [Ronaldo] will be a global star when he retires.
“I hope that when Bellingham retires as a 38-year-old, I’ll be able to say he’s one of the best we’ve ever seen because he’s done something really special.”
“At the moment, he is not under any pressure.” “Let’s hope he grows into a very successful young man while playing for Real Madrid and England,” he said.