Real Madrid have been excellent in recent years when it comes to identifying and signing the right players. That is one of the biggest reasons why they have continued to succeed on the pitch despite not having much squad depth and dealing with a long list of injuries. Not only have they signed fantastic talents but those with a winning mentality as well.
The signing of Jude Bellingham from Borussia Dortmund is looking like the pick of the bunch. The Englishman has made a record-breaking start to life at Real Madrid.
It is not just numbers-wise that he is delivering either. Bellingham's overall quality has been fantastic as well. He has made Real Madrid a better team in almost every aspect.
He has been so impressive that people are already considering him a future Ballon d'Or winner. Wayne Rooney seems to agree with that.
Rooney makes fantastic claim about Real Madrid player
As reported by Football League World, Rooney said via Sky Sports on Twitter:
"It’s great to see a young English lad take the opportunity to go play abroad, be brave with a move to Germany.
“He’s done really well and now [at] one of the biggest clubs in the world and really shining, so really pleased for him.
“Hopefully he can continue that at the Euros and be successful there.
“I think if he keeps doing what he’s doing then why not [win the Ballon D’or]?
“We’ve got the odd cycle of Messi and Ronaldo, where they’ve dominated that.
“I’m sure there will be five or six players who will be fighting out to win the next one and I’m sure if he keeps doing what he’s doing he’ll be right up there."
Bellingham mentioned Rooney as an influence after recently winning the Golden Boy award. And it looks like the Manchester United legend rates the Real Madrid superstar very highly as well.
Incidentally, Rooney currently finds himself as the manager of Birmingham City. Bellingham came through the ranks at the English club and when he left for Borussia Dortmund, they decided to retire his shirt number, even though he was just 17 years of age at that point.
The decision had raised a lot of eyebrows back then. But as time has passed and Bellingham has been on a constant meteoric rise in world football, Birmingham City have started to look like visionaries.
Bellingham has a lot of work to do if he is to win the Ballon d'Or in the future. He has made a great start at Real Madrid. Now, it is about building upon that and getting even better.