Bellingham world’s best player – Real Madrid boss Ancelotti

Carlo Ancelotti said on Friday that Jude Bellingham was “obviously” the best player in the world, as Real Madrid prepare to begin the defense of their Copa del Rey trophy.

Madrid travel to fourth division Arandina CF in the round of 16 on Saturday for their first appearance in this year's competition, having won the cup last May in Seville.

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Ancelotti said Bellingham – who has scored 17 goals in all competitions so far this season – will be part of a strong Real Madrid team, with Toni Kroos, Aurélien Tchouaméni and Vinícius Júnior the only regular starters rested.

The CIES Football Observatory ranked Bellingham as the most valuable player in world football with an estimated asking price – if he was available for transfer – of €267.5 million ($292 million).

“[Bellingham] is doing very well,” Ancelotti said, when asked if the chart-topping England star was currently the best in the world. “He did well in the first half of the season. Knowing that he had to adapt to our club, to a new culture and a new language, he is doing very well. For us, it’s obviously the best.”

Madrid beat Osasuna 2-1 in last season's final to win their 20th Copa Del Rey trophy – only Barcelona and Athletic Club have won more.

Saturday's opponent, Arandina, is based in the town of Aranda de Duero, Castilla y Leon, northern Spain. They knocked out La Liga side Cadiz in the second round in December.

“We are the defending champions,” Ancelotti said. This competition gave us a lot of happiness last year and we will start by trying to win it… Only three [players] will not play: Kroos, who has a small problem, Tchouameni and Vinícius, who must complete his convalescence. The others travel and everyone can play.

“[Eduardo] Camavinga is available. [Ferland] Mendy is still missing, he will be in the squad for the Super Cup… Arda Güler is available. This is an option to start the game.”

Ancelotti won the Copa del Rey twice as Madrid coach, beating Barcelona 2–1 in one match The classic final in 2014 thanks to a superb late goal from Gareth Bale, before last season's victory against Osasuna.

“We have [to the final] twice and both times we had a lot of happiness,” Ancelotti said. “It was unforgettable in Valencia [in 2014] and in Seville [last year]”.