Former Real Madrid player claims Jude Bellingham has had bigger impact than Zidane, Ronaldo and Figo

Former Real Madrid Steve McManaman believes that 20-year-old Jude Bellingham has had a greater influence on the Los Blancos than Zinedine Zidane, Ronaldo Nazario and Luis Figo.

The English midfielder arrived at one of the biggest clubs in the world last summer after a record-money move from Borussia Dortmund. Since then, he has stepped up on the big stage, routinely bailing out Real Madrid with his individual brilliance.

"Luis Figo came into the dressing room. R9 [Ronaldo Nazario], ‘El Phenomeno’ came into the dressing room. Zizou [Zinedine Zidane] came into the dressing room. Nobody has had an impact like he has [Bellingham] and he’s done it at the age of 20 year old. It’s phenomenal,"McManaman told TNT Sports.

McManaman, who made 158 appearances for Madrid in all competitions, having such high praise for Bellingham shows the level of footballer he has matured into, all at the ripe age of 20.

"He joined Real Madrid on a big-money signing at the start of the year at the age of 19. This was a transitional year for Real Madrid because Karim Benzema went, of course Eden Hazard, Asensio," addedMcManaman, who also sported the Liverpool jersey in his playing days.

"The fact that he’s taken to this role as he has done. Scoring in two Clasicos, winning the Super Copa, winning LaLiga – coasting to the league and now in the semi-finals of the Champions League all on his shoulders. What an absolute star."

Bellingham eyes UCL trophy

Bellingham is on course to win his first La Liga title with Madrid while battling for a Champions League trophy. He has already helped the Los Blancos win the Spanish Super Copa.

Bellingham will be next seen in action in Lal Liga against Cadiz before Bayern Munich arrive at the Bernabeu for the second leg of their Champions League tie with the fixture currently locked at 2-2.

Bellingham was taken off in the first leg at the Allianz Arena, with manager Carlo Ancelotti confirming that the youngster was struggling beyond the hour mark.

“Bellingham was just tired. “He couldn’t continue any more. I have enough good players on the bench. He will get back to his best performance. I think he was injured, which affected him, but today he wasn’t at his best. He will be back, for sure, and on Wednesday he will be at 100 per centagain,"Ancelotti said.

Madrid are eyeing a record-extending 15th UCL title and will face either of Borussia Dortmund or Paris Saint-Germain if they are able to overcome the Bayern challenge next week.

(With inputs from agencies)