Jude Bellingham is in turmoil after his disappointing performance during Real Madrid’s crushing defeat against FC Barcelona (0-4) on Saturday at Santiago Bernabeu. The English player, author of an impressive previous season, is now described as a “shadow of the player” he was.
The Spanish daily Marca did not hesitate to criticize the choices of Carlo Ancelotti, criticizing the use of Bellingham in an unusual role, often off-center on the right flank. “Playing as a full-back for many minutes is a joke in bad taste that Ancelotti must correct immediately,” commented journalist Juan Ignacio García-Ochoa.
A drop in performance in a new tactical system
Bellingham, who is yet to score this season for the Whites, appears to struggle in a restricted role alongside Kylian Mbappé and Vinicius Jr, whose presence limits his attacking influence.
Compared to his 10 goals at the same stage last year, the midfielder’s record is clearly below his standards, which raises concerns about his adaptation to the new Madrid system. After this heavy defeat, Real will try to recover in their next match against Valencia, while all eyes remain on Bellingham for a return to form.
