Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham finds it easier to play for his current club compared to Borussia Dortmund, according to Lothar Matthaus.
Bellingham joined Los Blancos from the Bundesliga giants in the summer for €103million (£88.5m), with add-ons taking the deal to £115m.
The 20-year-old has begun to repay that incredible sum with a bright start to life in the Spanish capital, managing 13 goals in 14 appearances since his arrival.
Bayern Munich legend Matthaus, who made 410 appearances for the Bavarian giants, winning seven Bundesliga titles, has been left amazed by Bellingham’s form since leaving Germany.
“He plays differently. At Dortmund, he was the leader and being so young it was a lot of pressure to carry,” he told The Daily Mail.
“At [Real] Madrid, they have seven or eight other players of similar quality to Bellingham, although of a different type.”
Matthaus explained why Bellingham has been a breath of fresh air since his switch from Signal Iduna Park to the Santiago Bernabeu.
Though he certainly could not resist a small dig in the way of Bayern’s rivals Dortmund.
“It is easier for him to play for Real Madrid than for Dortmund, because his teammates play better, although I am surprised by the number of goals he is scoring,” the 62-year-old added.
Bellingham was recently crowned winner of the 2023 Golden Boy award, given to the best under-21 player in Europe’s top flight.
“I’d like to thank everyone who has been part of my journey so far at Birmingham, Dortmund and now Madrid. It wouldn’t be possible without them,” the midfielder said.
“Lastly and most importantly my family who give me the support and motivation and love every day to keep striving.
“Now I have this prestigious award I want to keep going. I want to keep pushing the limits of my potential and hopefully many more trophies to come.”
Bellingham is currently sidelined with a shoulder injury after pulling out of Gareth Southgate’s latest England squad.
He has since returned to individual training back with his club, though, and Real Madrid are reportedly hoping he will be fit to return to action before the end of November.