“That is a ridiculous suggestion” - Ruud Gullit dismisses criticism about Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham as he weighs in on England controversy

Bhargav
Jude Bellingham (left), Thomas Tuchel (right), Ruud Gullit (inset) - all pics GETTY
Jude Bellingham (left), Thomas Tuchel (right), Ruud Gullit (inset) - all pics GETTY

Former Netherlands midfielder Ruud Gullit has dismssed criticism that Real Madrid's Jude Bellingham found himself out of the England team under Thomas Tuchel because of his attitude.

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Bellingham, 22, missed the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Andorra and Serbia because of a shoulder injury but was overlooked by Tuchel for the friendly against Wales and the World Cup qualifier against Latvia.

There was a perception that Bellingham was being overlooked by the Three Lions boss because of being an 'agitator'. However, Gullit shot that down, saying that the suggestion has no merit and that the Englishman has a winning attitude and deserves to be in the national team.

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“That is a RIDICULOUS suggestion," Gullit said (as per Madrid Xtra). "He’s the BEST PLAYER they have. His attitude? He just wants to WIN. He works very hard for the team.
"A year ago, people were talking about Kane; he’s the top scorer you ever had. There’s always somebody who has an opinion, but Bellingham is a CERTAINTY in the NT, and if you don’t do that, Mmm, that’s the WRONG decision for me.”
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Bellingham was recalled by Tuchel for the final two games of England's successful qualifying campaign - the 2-0 home win over Serbia and the 2-0 win at Albania.


How has Jude Bellingham fared for Real Madrid this season?

Real Madrid attacker Jude Bellingham
Real Madrid attacker Jude Bellingham

Jude Bellingham has had a rather quiet season for Real Madrid - his third at the club - since arriving at the capital side from Borussia Dortmund in the summer of 2023.

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He has scored four times and provided three assists in 17 games across competitions, starting 12. Most of those goal contributions - three goals and two assists - have come in La Liga, where Xabi Alonso's side are second, four points behind leaders Barcelona (40) after 16 games.

Bellingham and Co. are not in the best of form at the moment, winning just twice in their last eight games across competitions, losing thrice, including the last two. Hot on the heels of a 2-0 La Liga home defeat to Celta Vigo last weekend, Los Blancos lost 2-1 at home to Manchester City in the UEFA Champions League in midweek to drop to seventh in the standings.

Real Madrid return to action at Alaves in the league on Sunday (December 14), hoping to snap their two-game skid.

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Edited by Bhargav
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