Jude Bellingham Leaves Franco Mastantuono in Awe as Real Madrid Wonderkid Hails ‘Unique’ England Star
Franco Mastantuono could hardly contain his admiration for Jude Bellingham after Real Madrid’s 4-1 win over Levante on Tuesday night. The 17-year-old Argentine talent, who scored his first goal for Los Blancos in the game, spoke glowingly about the England international — a player he says he has “never seen anything like” before.
For Madrid fans, this was a night filled with optimism. Not only did the team make it six wins out of six in La Liga, but they also got to see Bellingham continue his return to action following his two-month layoff after shoulder surgery.
Bellingham Eases His Way Back Into Action
Bellingham’s return to fitness has been one of the most eagerly awaited stories of Madrid’s season. The 22-year-old underwent surgery in July, forcing him to miss the opening five league games. But since his comeback last week, he’s been gradually building minutes under Xabi Alonso’s watchful eye.
Against Levante, Bellingham came on for Mastantuono midway through the second half, offering the kind of calmness and control in midfield that Madrid had been missing. His presence was immediately felt — he slowed the game down when needed, resisted Levante’s pressing, and even made late runs into the box in search of a goal.
While he didn’t get on the scoresheet this time, the Englishman showed enough to remind everyone why he’s one of the most important players in this Madrid side.
Franco Mastantuono Hails ‘Unique’ Jude Bellingham
Mastantuono’s praise for Bellingham was overflowing when he spoke to the media after the final whistle.
“Incredible player! If we can play with 12, even better!” the teenager said with a smile. “Bellingham is incredible, incredible. A player who impressed me, a wonderful person, and a unique footballer. Honestly, I’ve never seen a player like him: such hierarchy, presence on the pitch. I hope he can play as soon as possible, because he’ll help us a lot.”
The Argentine’s respect for his teammate goes beyond just talent — he spoke about Bellingham’s authority, his calmness under pressure, and the inspiration he provides to those around him. “Bellingham, Bellingham,” he repeated when asked which player had caught his eye the most since arriving from River Plate. “Because of what I just said: he has a presence and a level of authority I’ve never seen before. His calmness and determination make him a different kind of player.”
Can Mastantuono and Bellingham Play Together?
As impressive as Mastantuono has been since joining the European champions, his place in the starting XI could soon come under threat. With Bellingham returning to full fitness and Arda Guler also pushing for more minutes, Xabi Alonso will have a tough decision to make.
In his pre-match press conference, Alonso hinted at how he might solve this puzzle. “They play in a very similar role,” Alonso said of Guler and Bellingham. “But the good thing is they can also play together. Arda can link-up from the back, while Jude operates more upfront.”
That leaves Mastantuono as the most likely candidate to drop to the bench once Bellingham is fully ready to start. It would be harsh on the youngster, who has been one of Madrid’s most exciting players this season and is now off the mark with his first goal. But competition for places is fierce at the Bernabéu — and that is exactly how Alonso wants it.
Madrid’s Perfect Start Continues
While much of the focus was on Bellingham’s cameo and Mastantuono’s goal, Madrid’s overall performance deserves plenty of credit. They were in control from the start, brushing aside newly-promoted Levante with ease.
Aurelien Tchouameni once again anchored the midfield with authority, proving why Alonso has called him a “pillar” of the team, while Fede Valverde put in another box-to-box masterclass that earned him yet another comparison to Steven Gerrard from his coach.
Madrid have now scored 17 goals in six games while conceding just four, underlining their status as early-season favourites for the La Liga crown.
Next Up: The Madrid Derby
The celebrations won’t last long because Madrid’s next challenge is a big one — a trip across the city to face Atletico Madrid at the Metropolitano.
This will be Xabi Alonso’s sternest test yet as Madrid boss. Atleti may be underperforming this season, but derbies are rarely straightforward, and Diego Simeone’s side will be desperate to spoil their rivals’ perfect start.
For Bellingham, the clash could be the ideal stage to make his first start of the season — and to remind La Liga why he was the league’s most influential player last term.
Madrid’s Midfield Future Looks Bright
Whether Mastantuono keeps his place or not, Madrid fans can feel reassured about the club’s future. The sight of the 17-year-old combining with Bellingham, Guler, Valverde, and Tchouameni offers a glimpse of a midfield dynasty in the making.
For now, Mastantuono is simply enjoying the ride — and learning from a player he calls “unique.” For Madrid, having a teenager this excited about sharing the pitch with one of the game’s brightest stars is just another sign that the future is in good hands.
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