Tottenham star James Maddison has hailed England teammate Jude Bellingham after the Real Madrid sensation scored during their 3-0 win over Leganes on Sunday.
Bellingham, 21, who joined Real from Borussia Dortmund for £88million plus add-ons in June 2023, scored 23 goals and added 12 assists in 42 appearances during his debut season at the club. However, the former Birmingham midfielder hasn't been as prolific this term, directly contributing to just four goals in 14 appearances.
But Bellingham appeared to be back to his best in front of goal with a smart finish to wrap up three points for Real and move them back to within four points of La Liga leaders Barcelona. It came after Bellingham provided three assists for England against Republic of Ireland during the international break.
After the thumping win over Leganes, Bellingham took to Instagram to reflect on an important success for his Real side. In a caption, translated from Spanish to English, Bellingham said: "We continue." It came alongside six different images, with one which including his trademark celebration.
Maddison, fresh off the back of his Player of the Match performance for Spurs against Manchester City, jumped into the comments to heap praise on his England colleague. The 28-year-old said: "Normal service."
Vinicius Jr, Federico Valverde, Morgan Rogers, Lucas Vazquez and Thibaut Courtois were among the others to comment on Bellingham's post and cherish his 53rd senior club goal.
As for Maddison, it proved to be a weekend to remember. As well as celebrating his 28th birthday, the former Leicester midfielder scored a first-half brace to help Spurs to fine 4-0 win over City at the Etihad Stadium. Maddison was exceptional throughout and looked back to his best.
Speaking after helping Spurs to an excellent away day victory, Maddison said: "It's a special day. I've just said in a few interviews that these days don't come around very often, against the champions, arguably the best team in Europe, Pep Guardiola's side, so you have to enjoy them.
"Credit to the lads, I thought we were absolutely outstanding today. We dug deep when we had to, we were clinical, we created chances, we had to rely on blocks from defenders, goalie saves… it was everything you want from a Spurs performance. That’s what we want to showcase when we’re at our best level. It was all there.
"I'm really happy, and we've got to enjoy the moment. I said to the boys, 'it's not often you'll come to the champions and win 4-0', so enjoy it. People always talk about the next game, but sometimes you have to sit back and reflect a little and enjoy, then move on. I’m so happy and proud of the boys."