The English midfielder's leadership at Real Madrid also ensured that he was among the goals again, but there is so much more.
He's not Bruce Springsteen, he's Jude Victor William Bellingham. The England star has become the leading force for Real Madrid, highlighted by his leadership role on the pitch over the past month and a half. Bellingham is Madrid's new boss, with ambitions to reign supreme, as evidenced by his recent nods to Elvis Presley – a subtle salute to greatness.
Bellingham's performance is nothing short of spectacular. Scoring six goals in his last six games from just six shots is testament to his ruthless appetite and precision on the pitch. He was the savior for Madrid, opening the 2-0 lead against Getafe with a penalty that eased Mbappe's burden and securing the 3-0 win over Montilivi. The 3-0 win over Butarque would make no sense without his hungry and intelligent ball stealing who made Mbappe's first goal possible.
This intensity is not a one-off. Bellingham has won the team's most defensive duels so far (70, two more than Rudiger) and has the highest number of ball recoveries in the final third – the most dangerous area for opponents – with 14. In addition, he has covered the most ball recoveries. ground in this Champions League season with 59 kilometers (just behind Rüdiger at 58.2). Goals, assists, crucial actions: Bellingham is everywhere and for everyone.
His teammates appreciate his contributions. Mbappe was amazed and said: “It's unbelievable” after witnessing his teammate's performance against Girona. Both Ancelotti and Bellingham are showing no signs of the frustration that plagued the start of the season. Bellingham's rough beginning was due to two completely different issues that combined to disrupt the harmony of Number 5. The 2023-2024 season ended with physical exhaustion, and reaching the European Championship final with England extended this tension, cutting into valuable rest days.
He appeared as a rocket in the European Super Cup in Warsaw on August 14 and returned as MVP. However, this peak was not supported by an optimal long-term summer training program. His defensive skill was always intense, but not enough to dominate the other area.
Tactical limitations were the other challenge for the Briton. When Mbappe joined the team, Ancelotti assigned Bellingham roles that took him away from his previous hunting grounds. This all culminated in the Clasico, where he almost acted as a double right back to assist Lucas against Raphinha. Once he was 'liberated' against Osasuna, there was no stopping him.
Bellingham was loved by the club
Internally, Madrid is more than happy with Jude. Nearly every expectation surrounding his signing has been met and exceeded. He was considered a 'strategic asset', a label reserved for players who took center stage both on the pitch and in the media.
This aspect is significant. When Jude was introduced as a Madrid player on June 15, 2023, he had 11.3 million Instagram followers. A year and a half later, he has tripled that number to 37.7 million and counting – a potential that seems limitless. His celebration, reminiscent of Christ the Redeemer in Rio, is one of the most iconic gestures in world football.
And he's gearing up to become a future captain. At Montilivi another example of Judas' leadership emerged. During the match he reprimanded Güler for a poor decision by the Turkish player, but then provided a brilliant assist. When both were substituted and met on the bench, Bellingham hugged and celebrated his teammate, leaving Güler visibly happy.
Loved, respected and deadly: Bellingham has activated his leadership mode.
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