There has been a growing narrative around Jude Bellingham’s fading impact at Real Madrid this season, as questions began to surface about whether the Englishman could rediscover his early spark under Xabi Alonso.
With Arda Guler thriving in his new midfield role, many began to wonder if Bellingham’s place in the starting XI was no longer guaranteed.
Those doubts only intensified after the heavy 2-5 loss to Atlrtico Madrid, a game where Bellingham looked completely off-colour.
Critics were quick to pounce, claiming his influence had waned. Yet, in true Bellingham fashion, he has silenced those concerns in recent weeks, proving once again why he remains central to Madrid’s success.
Statement of intent
Over the past two matches, the 22-year-old has rediscovered his rhythm and more importantly, his decisiveness.
Against Juventus and Barcelona, Bellingham delivered two goals and one assist, helping Real Madrid secure vital wins while reestablishing himself as the team’s creative engine.
Jude Bellingham, Real Madrid PLayer
Bellingham has scored two match winners in last two games. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
According to AS, the midfielder’s recent resurgence is no coincidence.
During the international break, the coaching staff designed a tailored fitness programme to help him regain his edge not just in terms of match readiness, but also his explosive physical conditioning.
The effects were clear in El Clasico. Bellingham was everywhere, completing 53 passes, the highest in the game, and recording five shots on goal, matching Kylian Mbappe.
Ever changing role
The match also showed how much more comfortable Bellingham is becoming in Alonso’s ever-shifting system, where players constantly rotate based on tactical flow.
Initially deployed on the right wing, Bellingham looked somewhat out of rhythm.
But once Alonso moved him back into a more familiar central role, with Camavinga covering wide, Madrid’s play immediately looked more fluid and threatening.
What is missing now is continuity. If Bellingham can maintain this level week in and week out, Real Madrid will once again play with the same confidence and balance that defined his brilliant debut campaign.