Luka Modric Declares His Admiration for Jude Bellingham

Luka Modric may have left Real Madrid, but he continues to closely follow everything happening at the club where he wrote the most important chapter of his career.

Now at AC Milan, the Croatian spoke about some of the biggest stars in the Spanish giants’ squad, and one name received particularly special praise: Jude Bellingham.

Modric did not hide his admiration for Kylian Mbappé or the importance of Vinícius Júnior after renewing his contract. However, when asked to choose the player with whom he feels a special connection, he turned his attention to the midfield.

That is where Bellingham comes in.

“From the first day, I saw something different in Bellingham, because of his talent and personality,” Modric explained in an interview with AS.

That is no small compliment coming from a player who spent more than a decade controlling Real Madrid’s midfield.

Modric Saw Something Special From the Moment Bellingham Arrived

Bellingham joined Real Madrid in 2023 at just 20 years old and almost immediately made it clear that the pressure of the Santiago Bernabéu did not affect him.

That is precisely one of the things that impressed Modric the most.

The Croatian shared the dressing room with the Englishman during his first seasons in Spain and was able to witness his development from the inside, not only as a player but also his personality and ability to take on responsibility in one of the most demanding dressing rooms in the world.

Now, away from Madrid, he continues to watch that progression.

“They’re phenomenal. I’m very happy that Vinícius renewed with the club; it wouldn’t have been good if he hadn’t stayed because of everything he brings. Kylian is incredible, the ease with which he scores goals, his quickness and speed are spectacular... But the one I feel closest to is Jude, because he’s a midfielder like me,” he explained.

That does not mean the two are identical players.

Modric built much of his career around organizing the game, controlling the tempo and finding spaces with his passing. Bellingham has a much more physical, direct and goalscoring profile.

But they share something fundamental: the ability to influence the game from virtually anywhere on the field.

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Mourinho Is Bringing Back the Best Version of Bellingham

The praise comes precisely as Bellingham has started the season once again establishing himself as one of Real Madrid’s most important players.

José Mourinho has decided to move him closer to the penalty area and give him freedom as a No. 10, playing behind Mbappé and taking advantage of his ability to make late runs from midfield.

The change is working.

After the opening three matchdays of LaLiga, Bellingham has once again shown the dominant version that made such an impression when he first arrived in Spain. Against Málaga, he scored twice and left the Santiago Bernabéu with the supporters completely won over by his performance.

Mourinho understands that trying to turn him exclusively into a buildup midfielder would mean limiting many of his greatest qualities.

Bellingham can win the ball back, carry it forward, get into the penalty area, provide assists and score. That freedom allows him to make use of virtually all those qualities.

Mbappé and Vinícius Also Receive Praise From Modric

Bellingham received the most personal praise, but Modric did not forget Real Madrid’s other two attacking superstars.

He particularly celebrated Vinícius Júnior’s contract extension. The Brazilian ended speculation surrounding his future by extending his deal through 2032 and is now looking to fully rediscover his best form.

When discussing Mbappé, the Croatian focused directly on one of the qualities that makes the Frenchman different: his extraordinary ability to score goals.

The combination of all three represents a major part of Real Madrid’s hopes this season.

Mbappé provides goals and speed. Vinícius brings one-on-one ability and unpredictability. Bellingham arrives from deeper positions and connects the midfield with the attack.

Mourinho’s biggest task will be making all that talent work as a unit.

Special Praise From a Real Madrid Legend

Modric knows exactly what it takes to succeed in Real Madrid’s midfield.

He joined the club in 2012, during Mourinho’s first spell in charge, and went on to build an extraordinary career at the Santiago Bernabéu, winning six UEFA Champions League titles and the Ballon d’Or in 2018.

That is why his words about Bellingham carry a different kind of weight.

The Englishman still has a long way to go before approaching the legacy left by the Croatian, but he has already accomplished something not every player can: earning his admiration.

Modric watched Bellingham from his first training sessions, shared a dressing room with him and closely followed his adaptation to Spanish soccer.

And from that very first day, he had a feeling.

Jude was different.