Premier League legend heaps praise on Real Madrid star after solid performance vs Croatia – “Looks like a grown man” | OneFootball

Jude Bellingham has been in sensational form this season, both for Real Madrid and England, rediscovering the brilliance that defined his early days in Spain.

The midfielder capped off a terrific international break with a standout display as England thrashed Croatia 7-0 in the UEFA Nations League.

And his performance drew high praise from former Manchester United captain Roy Keane.

Keane in awe of Bellingham

A fantastic performance from Jude. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)

The Irishman was effusive in his assessment of Bellingham, suggesting the Englishman was simply operating on a different level to the Croatia side.

“Jude Bellingham vs Croatia? It looks like a grown man playing against little children. It’s like patting your kids on the head,” he said (h/t Madrid Zone).

He went on to acknowledge that Croatia could hardly be blamed for failing to contain him. “He’s such a good player and physically you can’t blame Croatia because they can’t get near him,” the former midfielder added.

It was a glowing endorsement from Keane, who is rarely one to hand out praise lightly, and it reflected just how dominant Bellingham was on the night.

Bellingham’s performance in numbers

The numbers behind Bellingham’s performance backed up Keane’s words, with the Real Madrid man delivering a truly complete midfield showing.

Bellingham (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)

Bellingham registered a goal and three assists, while also creating a staggering eight chances, four of which were big chances.

He completed both of his crosses, six of seven long balls and four of six dribbles.

Defensively, he was equally impressive, winning eight duels, making an interception, two recoveries and two defensive contributions, while also being fouled three times as Croatia struggled to cope with his power and drive.

It was the kind of all-action, match-defining display that has become increasingly common for Bellingham this season.

The Englishman has been reborn under Jose Mourinho, operating in a free attacking role that allows him to influence games in every area of the pitch.

Bellingham was not the only Englishman to perform well, with Barcelona star Anthony Gordon also impressing on the night.