Real Madrid veteran Lucas Vazquez has sung the praises of teammate Jude Bellingham.

Vazquez was speaking ahead of Tuesday's Champions League tie with Union Berlin.

He said: What a player! We're thrilled to have him here. We've seen the kind of player he is in training from day one. He helps the team with his goals and works as hard as anyone. He's really enjoying Real Madrid and I hope he can keep up his form and continue helping Madrid in every facet of the game."

Asked if he can match former greats Karim Benzema and Cristiano Ronaldo, Vazquez insists it's too soon to judge.

It's too soon to say that. Bellingham has made an unbelievable start and we'll all do our best to help him continue in the same vein for years to come. You're talking about Benzema and Cristiano, two Real Madrid legends and I hope he can get close to them."

Vazquez was also asked about Germany defender Toni Rudiger.

Just like a good madman, nobody knows his secrets (laughs). Rdiger is having an incredible season, he's performing at an outstanding level and helping the team in every sense. I hope he stays here for a very long time because he's a huge player for us."

More must-reads:

TODAY'S BEST
Watch: Bryson DeChambeau pays tribute to the late Payne Stewart after winning U.S. Open
Rory McIlroy chokes away U.S. Open with pair of brutal missed putts
Watch: Dodgers' Mookie Betts leaves game after taking 98 mph pitch to hand
Dodgers' Dave Roberts confirms Yoshinobu Yamamoto is going on 15-day IL
Ryan Blaney staves off challengers for dominant win at Iowa Corn 350
Sky forward Angel Reese rips officials following loss to Fever
Watch: Denmark's Christian Eriksen nets goal at Euro 2024 three years after suffering cardiac arrest
Watch: UFL championship marred by late on-field altercation between Stallions, Brahmas
Is Commanders' Jayden Daniels likely to open season as starting QB?
Kyrie Irving's warning to potential Celtics is being taken out of context
What could the Ducks fetch for Trevor Zegras in trade?
The biggest surprises during the 2024 MLB season so far
Dodgers star will miss 'some time' with broken bone in left wrist
Former MLB journeyman dies at 61 years old
Pivotal Celtics center deemed questionable ahead of Game 5
Draymond Green weighs in on Klay Thompson's latest move
Tom Brady makes his broadcasting debut during UFL championship
Former top-five pick could follow the Dante Exum blueprint for NBA return
Yankees shelve top prospect once more due to injury concern
Watch: Reds' Elly De La Cruz scores from second base on pickoff attempt