Jude Bellingham faced considerable criticism from the Spanish press following Real Madrid’s tough 4-0 loss to Barcelona at home.
It’s clear he’s working hard, yet his impact on the field hasn’t matched the explosive start he had last season, where he netted 23 goals in all competitions. This season, he’s still seeking that first breakthrough goal, and the frustration is evident as he and his team struggle to find their rhythm.
Bellingham had hoped to make a difference in the clash against Barcelona, but the game took a difficult turn as Barcelona pulled away in the second half. Robert Lewandowski led with a brace, while Lamine Yamal and Raphinha capped off a challenging day for Real Madrid, compounding their troubles. This defeat, one of their most painful in recent times, has sparked questions over the team’s strategy and, specifically, how Bellingham is being positioned on the field.
According to Marca, a prominent Spanish sports outlet, the responsibility for Bellingham’s recent dip in form lies largely with Real Madrid’s manager, Carlo Ancelotti. They argue that Ancelotti’s tactical choices, especially his positioning of Bellingham, have been counterproductive. Instead of allowing him to play a more attacking role, Bellingham has frequently found himself in defensive positions, almost as a full-back. This shift, Marca claims, has hampered his effectiveness and goal-scoring opportunities.
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Shadow of himself
Marca journalist Juan Ignacio Garcia-Ochoa wrote that Bellingham now seems like a shadow of the exciting talent he showcased last season. Garcia-Ochoa noted, “Bellingham is playing far from his preferred role, often pushed out to the right, where he’s not able to display his natural skills. Ancelotti needs to address this urgently, as forcing him into a defensive role is diminishing his contributions.”
For fans, it’s disheartening to see a player with Bellingham’s potential struggling in this way. His remarkable work ethic and commitment are obvious, yet his current setup doesn’t play to his strengths. Marca believes that a shift back to his original position could be the key to unlocking his full potential and bringing back his goal-scoring spark. With November approaching, there’s an urgency for adjustments to be made so that he can return to his best.
On the other hand, Barcelona’s young star, Lamine Yamal, was celebrated for his standout performance. At just 17, Yamal has shown remarkable composure on the big stage, recently winning Euro 2024 with Spain and now making his mark in La Liga. Against Real, he managed to score a clinical goal, silencing the crowd at the Bernabeu and reaffirming his potential as a rising talent.
Marca’s take on Yamal was full of admiration, describing him as “a chosen one.” Though he didn’t play a flawless game, a few key moments were all it took for him to leave a lasting impression. As Marca pointed out, Yamal’s goal was more than just a point on the scoreboard; it was a statement that Madrid will face a new challenge with him around.
As the season progresses, it will be crucial for Real Madrid to fine-tune their approach, especially in positioning their players to maximize their strengths. For Bellingham, a return to his natural role could reignite his confidence and allow him to once again shine as one of Europe’s top talents.
