Real Madrid midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni has mocked new signing Jude Bellingham for England’s World Cup defeat to France last year.
The two young superstars faced each other in the World Cup quarter-finals in Qatar last year, where Tchouameni’s France side won 2-1 to knock Bellingham’s England team out.
Tchouameni scored a screamer to give France the lead early on, with the ball flying past Bellingham before finding the back of the net, and he has not let him forget it despite being teammates now.
The 23-year-old today tweeted a photo of training, with him shooting beyond Bellingham in an uncannily similar stance, alongside a capture of his World Cup stunner, mocking his new teammate.
Bellingham was clearly annoyed at his new midfield partner, replying with his disapproval at being reminded of his country’s loss.
Real Madrid’s midfield future
Bellingham is clearly settling well within the dressing room, and his excellent La Liga debut saw him score as Real Madrid beat Athletic Club 2-0 at San Mames.
The England international played at the tip of a midfield diamond, with Tchouameni at the base, behind Eduardo Camavinga and Fede Valverde.
This is what many imagined Real Madrid’s midfield would look like in the future, as the four are all young and are already some of the best players in the world in their positions.
Toni Kroos and Luka Modric both extended their contracts for another season, but both were left out of the exciting, young new-look four-man midfield, and this looks set to be Real’s first choice for years to come.
Both veterans will settle for rotational roles before potentially departing at the end of this season, and Carlo Ancelotti has shown great faith in all four players to use them together early on in the campaign away at a tough ground in San Mames.
Tchouameni can have his fun, but he and Bellingham will put their national allegiances aside when on the pitch for Los Blancos.