Football News: Bellingham Tipped for Ballon d’Or Glory, Mainoo Praises Midfield Partners
In a remarkable display of talent and leadership, Jude Bellingham is being tipped as a deserved contender for the prestigious Ballon d’Or award this year. The England star’s standout performances for both Real Madrid and the national team have caught the attention of fellow midfielder Kobbie Mainoo, who believes Bellingham’s achievements make him a worthy candidate for the prestigious individual honor.
Bellingham’s Stellar Season
Bellingham’s 2023/24 season has been nothing short of spectacular. The 20-year-old was instrumental in helping Real Madrid clinch the La Liga title before leading the Spanish giants to Champions League glory at Wembley in his debut campaign with the European giants. His impressive tally of 23 goals and 13 assists for Real Madrid has further cemented his status as one of the brightest young talents in world football.
Mainoo’s Praise for Bellingham and Rice
Mainoo, who has also carved out a place in the England setup, has been learning a great deal from training and playing alongside Bellingham. The Manchester United midfielder praised his international teammate’s professionalism and high standards, stating that “to play and train around him is great.”
Alongside Bellingham, England’s midfield also boasts the experienced and reliable Declan Rice, who Mainoo describes as a “joy to have” as a teammate. The 25-year-old West Ham United captain has proven his worth both at the club and international level, earning 52 caps for the Three Lions.
“Dec, he’s such a good player,” Mainoo said. “He’s so reliable, so good on the ball and so dominant in midfield. When I do get to play with him, it’s always a joy to have someone so strong on the ball next to you, and you can always trust him no matter where you are on the pitch.”
Looking Ahead to the Upcoming Season
As England prepare for their next Euro 2024 qualifier against Denmark on Thursday evening, live on talkSPORT, the synergy between Bellingham, Rice, and Mainoo in the midfield will be crucial to the team’s success. With the FIFA World Cup and Women’s World Cup also on the horizon, football fans are in for an exciting season filled with top-level competition and individual brilliance.
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