Pep Guardiola explains what sets Jude Bellingham apart in gushing praise of Real Madrid star

Pep Guardiola was full of praise for Jude Bellingham ahead of Manchester City's Champions League quarter-final with Real Madrid, arguing the England star has the advantage over rivals because of "what he has in his head".

Bellingham could have a big part to play for Real Madrid as they look to shoot down Guardiola's Manchester City in Tuesday's Champions League quarter-final. City came out on top the last time the sides met, in last season's semis, with the English club going on to beat Inter Milan in the final.

The addition of the former Borussia Dortmund man has been an important one, though, helping Carlo Ancelotti's side make up for the departure of Karim Benzema. Bellingham has 16 league goals - the joint-most in Spain's top tier - and 20 in all competitions, including a late winner against Union Berlin in Madrid's first Champions League group game this term.

He might not turn 21 until the summer, but Bellingham is a clear danger man for City to deal with. Guardiola recognises this, and doesn't doubt the midfielder has plenty more to offer in his career.

"What makes the difference is what he has in his head," Guardiola said ahead of the quarter-final. "He’s having a brilliant season. [He is] very young. He has an impressive career ahead."

Midfielder Rodri was also asked about Bellingham. “We know Jude because we have faced Dortmund - he is so powerful and strong, has the ability to arrive at the second line and control the game," said the Spaniard, who scored the winner in last season's final. "But I don’t like focusing on one player - they have enormous potential in all the lines, and we have to adapt to that.”

Bellingham's four Champions League goals this season all came in the group stage. He missed the first leg of