Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho has heaped praise on Jude Bellingham as an excellent, extraordinary player for the Spanish club.
Bellingham produced a man-of-the-match performance as Real Madrid staged a dramatic comeback to defeat AEK Athens 3-2 in their UEFA Champions League fixture on Wednesday.
The England star scored the goal that drew Mourinho's men level before half-time after the visitors found themselves behind at the OPAP Arena.
Kylian Mbappe scored another equaliser that tied Real Madrid at 2-2, then Federico Valverde grabbed the match-winning goal in stoppage time.
Mourinho praises Bellingham as world's best
Following Wednesday night's display, Mourinho described Bellingham as a complete midfielder who is presently unrivalled in the world.
The 23-year-old has scored five goals and provided three assists in 15 matches across all competitions this season.
"Since I arrived, he has been excellent. He is a unique player; today, there is no midfielder in world football like Jude, who is complete on all levels," Mourinho said, per the club website.
"I don’t have many words because, for me, he is an absolutely extraordinary player. Even on a day when he doesn’t have a great match, one of those jaw-dropping performances, he still brings work, leadership, ambition, quality, and goal-scoring ability. He is an extraordinary player.”
The victory put Real Madrid in second position in the Champions League table, level on 12 points with leaders Paris Saint-Germain after four games.
Bellingham singles out Real Madrid mentality
Meanwhile, Wednesday's equaliser brought Bellingham's Champions League tally to 15 goals, matching Kevin de Bruyne and David Beckham's record in the elite competition.
The 3-2 win at Athens was also Real Madrid's second consecutive comeback win on the road in the competition after the 4-3 victory in Rome.
Bellignham summed up the victory as a reflection of the Blancos' mentality when they find themselves behind.
"A very tough game. We worked hard to win this and came back twice," the England star told the club website.
"A very important victory on our journey in this season's Champions League.
“Another comeback, but this is the Real Madrid mentality and the mindset we need to maintain for the rest of the season.
"We're heading to Valencia with great enthusiasm, and hopefully, we can win because the most important match is the next one.”
Bellingham and his Real Madrid teammates will turn their attention to La Liga action before the international break with a trip to Valencia scheduled for Saturday.
