Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham has been hailed as the best player in the world by manager Carlo Ancelotti.

Carlo Ancelotti made this statement on Friday, as Real Madrid prepare to begin the defence of their Copa del Rey trophy.

Madrid will travel to fourth-tier Arandina CF on Saturday in the round of 32 of this year’s competition, after lifting the cup last May in Seville.

Ancelotti also vowed to name a strong squad that will feature Bellingham, with Toni Kroos, Aurélien Tchouaméni and Vinícius Júnior the only regular starters rested.

“[Bellingham] is doing very well,” Ancelotti said, when asked if the England star was the best in the world right now.

“He’s done well in the first half of the season. Bearing in mind that he’s had to adapt to our club, to a new culture and language, he’s done very well. For us, obviously he’s the best.”

Bellingham has scored 17 goals in all competitions so far this season.