Former Real Madrid striker Ruud van Nistelrooy is full of praise for Jude Bellingham.

The Dutchman has dismissed claims of Bellingham's form waning in recent months.

He told AS: "I don't think his form has dipped. He scored again against Cádiz as soon as he entered the pitch and he now has 18 goals (in La Liga). In what way is he performing less now? You have to put things in perspective.

"That Jude has scored so many goals is a bonus. He is a great all-round player, who is great at arriving in the second wave. He runs, defends and has an eye for the game. We can't demand that he be a goalscorer too, and yet he is.

"His season has been spectacular and must be valued in the right way.

"It doesn't matter that (Carlo) Ancelotti changed his role. He performs wherever he is placed on the pitch, because he is an exceptional player."