Rio Ferdinand hails Jude Bellingham as a 'class apart' after his 'magnificent' performance in Real Madrid's UEFA Super Cup win over Atalanta

Rio Ferdinand has hailed Jude Bellingham after his 'magnificent' performance in Real Madrid's UEFA Super Cup win over Atalanta. 

Carlo Ancelotti's side picked up their first trophy of the season thanks to goals from Federico Valverde and Kylian Mbappe on his Real Madrid debut. 

England international Bellingham expertly picked out Mbappe inside the box, with the Frenchman making no mistake as he found the back of the net in what is surely to be the first of many goals at Real Madrid. 

Speaking on TNT Sports, Ferdinand was full of praise for Bellingham who produced a well-rounded display in his first game of the season.

The Manchester United legend said: 'Jude Bellingham is a class apart. 

'He was absolutely phenomenal. His influence on the game was magnificent.'

As well as his assist, Bellingham had two shots on target, had a 90 per cent pass accuracy and won 100 per cent of his tackles. 

The result means that Bellingham has already won four trophies since his arrival from Borussia Dortmund in the summer of 2023. 

Fans were also quick to rave about the England star's performance on social media. 

One fan wrote: 'Bellingham tonight: Incredible pressing, incredible tracking, incredible off-ball movement, incredible vertical passes, incredible composure. This guy does everything at an elite level.'

Another person wrote on X: 'Jude Bellingham is unstoppable man. What a game he is having. Just incredible. His potential is just unreal.'

Another X said: 'Jude Bellingham is simply magical tonight. His best ever game in Real Madrid colors. My man of the match without a single doubt. World class. Mesmerizing player.'

@hridarora added: 'I don't know if it has been said enough, but Bellingham was on another level today. Seemed like he was 20 games into the season when it's only his first. Excellent at every single thing he did on both ends of the pitch. This role is perfect for him.'

While another fan watching the game echoed the comments of many who felt Bellingham was 'the best player on the pitch'. 

After the game, Bellingham said: 'We have a new look team and it seemed to just click tonight.

'First half we were adjusting but the second half it all came together and we were brilliant so it was nice.

'It's going to be a long year for us if we do well in everything which is what we want to do but you've got to enjoy these nights, but come Sunday it's straight back to work.'

On Mbappe's first goal he added: 'He's brilliant, he's so sharp and a great team-mate.

'He works like a dog like the rest of the players so credit to him and he deserves it tonight.'