Bellingham, the boss: inside Jude’s early development at Real Madrid

He’s not Bruce Springsteen, he’s Jude Victor William Bellingham. The England star has become the guiding light for Real Madrid, culminating in his leadership role on the pitch over the past month and a half. Bellingham is the new boss of Madrid, with ambitions to reign supreme, hinted at by his recent nod to Elvis Presley – a subtle nod to greatness.

Bellingham’s performance is nothing short of spectacular. He scored six goals in his last six games with just six shots showing his relentless appetite and precision on the pitch. He has been the savior for Madrid, opening a 2-0 lead against Getafe with a penalty that eased Mbappé’s burden and secured the 3-0 win at Montilivi. The 3-0 win at Butarque would make no sense without his hunger-driven and intelligent steal of the ball that allowed Mbappé’s opening goal.

This intensity is not a one-off. Bellingham has won the most defensive duels on the team so far (70, two more than Rüdiger) and has the highest number of ball recoveries in the final third – the most dangerous area for opponents – with 14. He has also covered the most ground this Champions League season, running 59 kilometers (just behind Rüdiger on 58.2). Goals, assists, key plays – Bellingham is everywhere and for everyone.

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His teammates appreciate his contribution. Mbappé marveled and said: “It’s unbelievable,” after watching his team-mate’s display against Girona. Both Ancelotti and Bellingham show no signs of the frustration that plagued the start of the season. Bellingham’s rough start was due to two completely different problems that combined to disrupt the harmony of the number 5. The 2023-24 season ended with physical exhaustion and reaching the European Championship final with England extended that strain, cutting into valuable rest days.

He burst onto the scene on August 14 like a missile in the European Super Cup in Warsaw and returned as MVP. However, this peak was not supported by optimal summer training in the long term. His defensive prowess was always intense but not sufficient to dominate the opposing area.

Tactical restrictions were the second challenge for the British. When Mbappé joined the team, Ancelotti assigned Bellingham roles that took him away from his former hunting grounds. It all culminated in the Clasico, where he almost doubled as a right-back to assist Lucas against Raphinha. Once he was “liberated” against Osasuna, there was no one to hold him back.

Bellingham loved by the club

Internally, Madrid are more than excited about Jude. Almost all expectations surrounding his signature have been met and exceeded. He was considered a “strategic signing”, a label reserved for players deemed central both on the pitch and in the media.

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This aspect is significant. When Jude was introduced as a Madrid player on 15 June 2023, Jude had 11.3 million Instagram followers. A year and a half later, he has tripled that number to 37.7 million – a potential that seems unlimited. His celebration, reminiscent of Christ the Redeemer in Rio, is one of the most iconic gestures in world football.

And he is shaping up to be a future captain. In Montilivi, another example of Jude’s 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 embraced and celebrated with his teammate, leaving Güler visibly happy.

Loved, respected and deadly, Bellingham has activated his leadership mode.

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