Real Madrid goalkeeper Andriy Lunin considers Jude Bellingham to be an “alien”, but claims the midfielder never scores against him in training.
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England international starring in SpainClub colleagues impressedKeeper claims to repel him in trainingWHAT HAPPENED?
The England international has made a stunning start to life in Spain on the back of his €103 million (£89m/$108m) summer transfer from Borussia Dortmund. Bellingham has scored 10 goals through as many games for Real and is leading the race to land the prestigious Golden Boy award in 2023.
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Bellingham has been a sensation for the Blancos, with Lunin telling of the star and his ability to hit the back of the net: “Jude Bellingham is an alien. Arriving at the best club in the world at 20 years old, scoring in every game, giving assists, influencing the games and the score. This is all out of this world. In training? Jude doesn’t score against me, I save his shots. It seems the only place he doesn’t score is during training, the goalkeepers are not capable of doing it during the official games.”
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Lunin is still on Real’s books despite attracting interest of his own during the summer. He briefly took over starting duties this season when Thibaut Courtois picked up an injury, but now finds himself back behind Kepa Arrizabalaga in the pecking order. He added on his situation: “I do what I have to, at the end it’s [Carlo] Ancelotti who decides. Kepa and I compete, we do the same work, we will see, the season is long. There were offers from other clubs but I didn’t talk to them, there was nothing serious.”
(C)Getty ImagesWHAT HAPPENS NEXT?
Real currently sit at the top of the Liga table, dropping just three points through eight games, and have also picked up back-to-back wins to open their Champions League campaign for 2023-24.