Bellingham praises ‘incredible’ Mbappe after ‘slow start’ and sends heartwarming message to Man City striker Erling Haaland | OneFootball

Jude Bellingham heaped praise on Real Madrid team-mate Kylian Mbappe after the striker scored a hat-trick to knock Manchester City out of the Champions League.

Madrid secured a 3-1 second leg win to progress to the round of 16, winning 6-3 on aggregate over the two games having won 3-2 at the Etihad in the first leg.

Mbappe scored a superb hat-trick to send his side through, grabbing his first of the game after four minutes before adding to his tally prior to half time.

He completed the hat-trick in the second half, cutting in and curling into the bottom corner to put Real out of sight.

The Frenchman had come in for criticism earlier in the campaign after enduring a slow start following his summer move from PSG, but England midfielder Bellingham says he is delighted to see his team-mate now thriving.

“It’s brilliant, you go into games knowing he is going to affect them if you give him the ball,” Bellingham told TNT Sports after the game.

“You know when Kylian gets the ball in areas that he likes to get the ball, he’s going to be dangerous. Right foot, left foot, you saw the different kind of goals today.

“It’s incredible really, what he’s done in his career. I know he had a slow start and he was kind of getting used to life here but now he’s just flying and it’s a pleasure to watch.”

Bellingham’s former Borussia Dortmund team-mate Erling Haaland did not play in the tie after suffering an injury in the 4-0 win against Newcastle on Sunday.

The 21-year-old was asked if it was a psychological boost to see Haaland was not starting the game but he took the opportunity to wish his friend well.

“You always want to play teams at their best and obviously I hope he’s not too bad,” Bellingham said.

“I saw the video and I hope it’s not too bad, he’s a good mate of mine.

“You play what you’re up against and I think we managed it well today. If their key players don’t play, they still have other players who can step in and cause damage so I think we nullified that well.”