JUDE BELLINGHAM was labelled the “Brummy Zidane” after a sensational piece of skill against Manchester City… before Real Madrid went on to score.
The Los Blancos midfielder, 20, returned to England for a mouth-watering Champions League quarter-final second leg at the Etihad on Wednesday night.
Jude Bellingham mesmerised fans with a piece of skill at the EtihadGetty
He controlled the ball remarkably on his right foot before he retained possession
And one moment of sheer brilliance left football fans in awe of the Three Lions playmaker.
Bellingham watched a high ball all the way onto his foot, killing it superbly.
He then showcased his wonderful footwork by evading the challenge of Ruben Dias and laying it off to Fede Valverde.
Valverde fed Vinicius Junior who looked up and played it across to Rodrygo six yards out.
The Brazilian’s first attempt was scuffed and saved by Man City keeper Ederson, but he made no mistake the second time as Real Madrid took the lead.
But those on social media were keen to focus on the start of the move as they lauded Bellingham’s breathtaking piece of play.
One fan said: “That Jude Bellingham touch during the play of Rodrygo’s goal is absolutely insane.
“It will get overlooked, but that’s magic.”
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Zinedine Zidane was famous for his immaculate first touchAFP
Before another simply added that the Birmingham-born superstar is the “Brummy Zidane”.
A third replied: “Closest player to Zidane as we’ll ever get.”
A fourth responded: “Jude is a midfielder, this is what they do to be world class.
“Doesn’t need the goal or assist to know this kid will get to three Ballons d’Or, without a doubt.”
A fifth said: “That’s right up there with Zidane and Bergkamp.”
And yet another added: “It just gets better every time you watch it.”
Bellingham has contributed 20 goals and 10 assists in 34 matches in his opening season at Real Madrid, establishing himself as one of the best players in world football.
Bellingham has 16 goals in 24 LaLiga games this season
Why Man City fans were to blame for penalty defeat to Real Madrid
RIO FERDINAND and Joleon Lescott have blamed Man City’s penalty shoot-out defeat to Real Madrid on the FANS.
Bernardo Silva missed one of the spot kicks as City crashed out of the Champions League.
And the England duo spotted how the home fans at the Etihad played a role in the spot-kick being saved.
Ex-Man City star Lescott claimed the home supporters held onto the ball for too long after Real’s Luka Modric fired his shot into the stands.
He said: “That would have just took him out of sync and out of his rhythm.
“You can practice the routine, the technique, the walk up potentially, this is something you don’t prepare for, the ball being in the crowd.”
Ferdinand chimed in: “40 seconds by the way Joleon,” before Lescott continued: “That is a long time. It may not seem that long but it’s a very long time when you are waiting there and you are thinking, now do I change position?
“Now do I change where I go? And all of a sudden, it’s a soft penalty.”
Manchester United legend Ferdinand went on to say: “It’s a shame though as well, because it is the home fans that are delaying that penalty kick which is a shame.”
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