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Rio Ferdinand hailed the impact of Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham in the UEFA Super Cup final against Atalanta. Los Blancos claimed the Super Cup title following a 2-0 win over UEFA Europa League champions Atalanta in Warsaw.
Ferdinand spoke about Bellingham, saying:
"Jude Bellingham is a class apart. He was absolutely phenomenal. His influence on the game was magnificent.”
Bellingham had to feature in a more withdrawn role compared to where he played last season for Carlo Ancelotti's side. The arrival of Kylian Mbappe in attack and the exit of Toni Kroos from the club meant that the Englishman had to play primarily in midfield.
UEFA awarded the young midfielder with the Player of the Match award following his masterful display in the middle of the park. He was involved in both goals, starting the move that led to the first and assisting the second.
Jude Bellingham created two big chances and completed five of six dribbles attempted in the game. He also won 12 duels and made two tackles and two interceptions.
Bellingham took Europe by storm in his debut season with the Spanish giants as he played in an attacking role for the club. The 20-year-old scored 23 goals and provided 13 assists in 42 appearances across all competitions as the side won the UEFA Champions League and La Liga titles.
Luka Modric makes history as Real Madrid down Atalanta to claim UEFA Super Cup trophy
Real Madrid captain Luka Modric made history as he captained Los Blancos to win the UEFA Super Cup with a 2-0 win over Atalanta. The Croatian midfielder won his 27th trophy with the club, becoming its most decorated player ever.
Ancelotti started Modric on the bench for the game, waiting until the 76th minute to introduce the 38-year-old midfielder into the fray. By the time of his introduction, his side was already coasting to the win in Warsaw.
Federico Valverde opened the scoring just a minute shy of the hour mark, finishing off a Vinicius Jr. assist. Real Madrid scored a second in the 68th minute when debutant Kylian Mbappe introduced himself in the best way possible, finishing a pass from Bellingham.
Luka Modric has now surpassed every other player in Real Madrid history in terms of trophies won at the club. He is also the club's oldest-ever outfield player in La Liga history.
