Fabio Capello, 77, compared the Real Madrid midfielder to Germany’s World Cup legend Lothar Matthäus ahead of the Champions League final at Wembley.
Former England manager Fabio Capello believes Jude Bellingham is out of this world.
The 77-year-old Capello compared the Real Madrid midfielder to Germany’s World Cup legend Lothar Matthäus ahead of the Champions League final at Wembley Stadium but believes Bellingham is better in front of goal. The England star has scored 22 goals in his first season at the Bernabeu and Madrid, who have already won the La Liga title, can become European champions if they beat Borussia Dortmund on Saturday.
Capello, who has twice taken charge of the Spanish giants during his illustrious managerial career, paid glowing praise to the 20-year-old.
“Bellingham surprised me because it’s usually difficult for an Englishman to make an impact away from home in the Spanish or Italian leagues,” said Capello, who is an ambassador for Laureus Sport for Good.
“Maybe because he came directly from Germany, Bellingham already understood a bit of the European mentality. The German mentality is different, though.”
“But what was really impressive was his will to win and how beloved he is by the Madrid fans. He really is a player from another world, because not only does he have the quality, but he also has that competitive spirit.”
Capello, who watched Bellingham score two goals, including a last-minute winner, when Madrid beat arch-rivals Barcelona in April, added: “Bellingham really fired up Madrid in Clasico. There were two or three times when he slid to win the ball and the whole stadium rose to its feet and applauded.”
“It means true dedication to the team and being a leader. You can tell if someone is a leader by the way they conduct themselves on the field.”
Matthäus won the Ballon d’Or after leading West Germany to the World Cup triumph in 1990 with a series of inspirational performances. With Bayern Munich, he lost twice in the Champions League final but helped Inter Milan win Serie A and the UEFA Cup.
Capello has tipped England manager Gareth Southgate to give Bellingham the attacking role that Matthäus excels in. “Bellingham’s position is hybrid, that’s why it’s difficult to compare him with other players,” he said.
“It reminds me of the old Lothar Matthaus. Matthaus was more or less like that. He played well close to the penalty area, but not so good inside it.”
“Then Bellingham, that’s where he makes the difference. He’s good in midfield, he sees how the game is going straight away and he’s good in the penalty area too.”
“I think that’s where he should play, as a second forward. He has the ability to penetrate defenses and can do a lot of damage in that position.”
“He’s a player who finds the right spot and he’s also a player who helps the team. In my opinion, he can really do a lot of damage in that position and as a manager I would use him like that.”
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