Manager Carlo Ancelotti said that Real Madrid is “lucky” to have the “fantastic” Jude Bellingham after the England player played well in his first game, a 3-2 preseason win over AC Milan in Los Angeles.
Fikayo Tomori, another Englishman, scored the first goal for AC Milan with a header. Federico Valverde scored twice in the second half, and Vinicius Jr. scored the game-winning goal after running onto a great pass from Luka Modric. Most of the 70,000 fans at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California, went home happy.
In his first 62 minutes, Bellingham showed flashes of his natural skill and confidence. Twice, the crowd cheered and his boss, Ancelotti, praised him.
In the first few minutes, Bellingham ran in circles along the sideline, leaving a couple of Milan defenders in his path.
Then, as the first half was coming to an end, Brahim Diaz almost scored on a beautiful first-time half-volleyed pass that combined skill and a sure touch in a crowded penalty area.
“It’s rare to find a player with this kind of quality,” Ancelotti said. “He’s only 20, so he has time to get better. He is a great addition to our team.
“He was wonderful. He moves well, has a lot of rhythm, and is good at finding open areas.”
Real signed Bellingham to a six-year deal for £88 million from Borussia Dortmund. They already know for sure that the 20-year-old is real.
