Barcelona defender 'annoyed' by Jude Bellingham's success at Real Madrid

Barcelona defender Andreas Christensen has admitted to being impressed by Jude Bellingham's start at Clasico rivals Real Madrid.

Bellingham joined Madrid in the summer transfer window from Borussia Dortmund and has settled extremely quickly, scoring ten goals in his first ten games in La Liga and the Champions League combined.

The 20-year-old England international will face Barcelona in competitive action for the first time in his career later this month when Madrid face Barca in El Clasico, and Christensen has admitted ahead of the clash that he's had no choice but to sit up and take notice of Bellingham's form.

While on international duty with Denmark, Christensen said: "It's annoying when you sit down and look at the results he's getting. He's been scoring in the last few games, I don't know in how many games already. He's conquered La Liga. Real Madrid have brought in a really good player."

Bellingham has made a large contribution to help Carlo Ancelotti's side into first place in La Liga by the October international break, leading Christensen's Barca - who are defending champions in Spain - by two points at the top of the standings.

• LISTEN TO THE LATEST EPISODE OF 90MIN'S MAN UTD PODCAST, THE PROMISED LAND: SIR JIM RATCLIFFE IN POLE POSITION TO BECOME MINORITY SHAREHOLDER

Madrid forked out an initial €100m plus add-ons to bring the midfielder to the Bernabeu while Barca targeted cheap deals in the market as a result of their struggles with club finances in recent years.

Bellingham played no part in England's friendly win over Australia on Friday night but is expected to start when the Three Lions host Italy in a Euro 2024 qualifier at Wembley on Tuesday night.

He is also the runaway favourite for the 2023 Golden Boy award, with Lamine Yamal and Alejandro Balde also nominated in the final 25-player list.

READ THE LATEST LA LIGA NEWS, RUMOURS & GOSSIP