BARCELONA: In an impressive start to his career with Real Madrid, English midfielder Jude Bellingham has become a sensation in La Liga, scoring five goals in five games since his €103 million ($110 million) move from Borussia Dortmund.
Real Madrid has maintained a perfect record in their domestic games so far, but their focus now shifts to the Champions League. Bellingham, 20, is set to make his “second” debut for Los Blancos in this prestigious competition.
His acquisition by Real Madrid was in part a response to a stinging 4-0 defeat by Manchester City in last season’s Champions League semifinal. The club has started giving more opportunities to younger talents like Bellingham, alongside experienced midfielders Luka Modric and Toni Kroos.
Bellingham’s strong performances have endeared him to the fans, and he’s become a fan favorite. He celebrates his goals with open arms, and the fans even serenade him with the Beatles song “Hey Jude.”
His personality and performance on the pitch have quickly made him a crucial part of the team. Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti praised Bellingham’s personality and said that a player with such qualities can handle the pressure of wearing the Real Madrid shirt.
Bellingham has been deployed as a No. 10 behind the Brazilian duo of Rodrygo and Vinicius Junior and has filled the void left by Karim Benzema’s departure.
While Real Madrid was linked with Kylian Mbappe, Bellingham’s exceptional performance has shown his ability to make a difference in the attack, potentially influencing the club’s transfer decisions.
In the short term, the current setup with Bellingham has proven successful for both the player and the coach.
