Jude Bellingham has credited Carlo Ancelotti with ‘unlocking’ a new part of his game after Real Madrid won the Champions League final at Wembley on Saturday night.
The England midfielder provided the assist for Vinicius Junior’s late goal in the second half after Dani Carvajal broke the deadlock against Borussia Dortmund in the 74th minute.
Bellingham is only 20 years of age, but has now lifted the Champions League and La Liga title in his first season at the Bernabeu.
Read – How Real Madrid won the 2024 Champions League final
The former Birmingham City prodigy has played a more attacking role since swapping Dortmund for Madrid, scoring 23 goals in all competitions, including four in Europe, easily the most he’s scored in a single campaign.
“He has unlocked a part of my game that I didn’t know I had,” Bellingham told TNT Sports. “That is the thing about world class coaches, they make you realise how good you can be and test the limits of your potential.
“It is like being at school again, you learn something new every day and get better and better.”
It was Bellingham’s first appearance in a Champions League final, but the youngster was able to rely on the experience of the senior squad members to ease his nerves before kickoff.
“They always said to me to enjoy the first one, a feeling like no other when you get to the top of the mountain,” he said. “Never forget your first. They have told me all week.
“Dortmund had the better of the game, the better chances, but if you don’t kill us then we will come back.
“They [Toni Kroos and Luka Modric] were a big part of my feeling before the game to be fair. When I was alone in my room I was thinking to myself and not as confident but you come down to dinner and they are playing cards, chatting, looking relaxed. Then you start to feel relaxed and settle into it.
“Champions of Europe, can’t get any better than that.”
Read – Tearful Jude Bellingham completes Champions League dream
Read More – Five who played for both Real Madrid and Dortmund
See Also – Every Champions League final held at Wembley
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