Real Madrid boss Ancelotti claims Bellingham 'covers the absence of Benzema'

Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti has claimed Jude Bellingham has made up for Karim Benzema's absence after his impressive start to the season.

The 14-time Champions League winners were dealt with a blow this summer when Karim Benzema ended his 14-year stay in the Spanish capital to join Saudi Arabian side Al-Ittihad.

But the Spanish giants beat off competition from a number of clubs to sign Bellingham from Borussia Dortmund for £113million.

The England international has started the season brightly with three goals and an assist in Real's opening two LaLiga matches.

Ancelotti claims Real have never given a thought to signing Napoli striker Victor Osimhen as a replacement for Benzema as Bellingham makes up for the Frenchman's absence.

'The generational change that they did was very strong. They signed great players and have one of the best forwards in Europe: Osimhen', Ancelotti said when asked about Napoli in an interview with Spanish outlet AS.

'[Real Madrid and I] never thought about signing the Nigerian, within the club we think the arrival of Jude Bellingham covers the absence of Benzema, without creating too many parallels.'

Ancelotti added: 'He’s a serious, mature boy with quality. What he’s doing doesn’t surprise those who know him, what’s surprising is that he’s only 20-years-old.

Real Madrid sit top of Laliga after kicking off the season with back-to back wins against Almeria and Athletic Bilbao.

Bellingham, unlike with Borussia Dortmund and England, has been used in an advanced role behind strike pair Vinicius Junior and Rodygo.

The former Birmingham City midfielder will hope to continue his bright form when Real travel to Rafa Benitez's Celta Vigo on Friday.