Barcelona midfielder Pedri has admitted to being "surprised" by Jude Bellingham's instant impact at Real Madrid.
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Bellingham in sensational form at MadridHas 17 goals in 22 matchesPedri in awe of the attacking midfielderGetty ImagesWHAT HAPPENED?
Bellingham has been scoring for fun in Spain's top-flight and has been the keystone of Carlo Ancelotti's side since his move from Borussia Dortmund in the summer. He also emerged as the hero in El Clasico with a thumping effort from outside the box and showed his predatory instincts in stoppage time to clinch the winner on his first visit to Barcelona, as Pedri could only watch in disbelief from the stands.
AdvertisementWHAT PEDRI SAID ABOUT BELLINGHAM
During an interview with Twitch streamerIbai Llanos, Pedri said of the Real Madrid playmaker: "Bellingham has surprised me a lot. He is in a form where every shot he takes ends in a goal."
GettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE
Pedri missed a significant chunk of matches in the first phase of the season due to a hamstring injury. Although he returned in November and played six straight La Liga fixtures, he picked up a muscle injury in training ahead of Barcelona's encounter against UD Almeria which has once again sidelined him for an indefinite period.
While speaking about his injury, he said: "I’m going through a difficult time but I’m fine. It hurts me when some people say that my lifestyle is the cause of my injuries. I am a person who does not go out, I do not like parties and staying up late at all, and I love training. I just want to play football. I don’t know when I will be back. I don’t have a return date.”
WHAT NEXT?
Pedri will miss Barcelona's trip to Las Palmas on January 4 but is tipped to return to action after the Spanish Super Cup in the third week of January. Bellingham, meanwhile, will be looking to add to his ever-increasing tally of goals when Los Blancos host Mallorca on Wednesday.