Jude Bellingham has become a global superstar. The young England International’s stock continues to rise after having a stunning impact since arriving at Spanish giants Real Madrid. Los Blancos sit second in the LaLiga table just two points off Girona in top spot with real hopes of adding to their tally of 35 league trophies at the end of the season. Bellingham’s 17 goals from his 20 appearances have allowed the club to keep pace with Michel Sanchez’s side in the title race and helped stretch the gap between Carlo Ancellotti’s Madrid and the chasing pack. The 20-year-old already had an impressive skillset upon arriving at the Bernabeu but by adding a lethal edge in front of goal to his game he has established himself as arguably the best midfielder in the world today. His performances have been so good that he has already been tipped by many as a frontrunner for the Ballon d’Or in 2024. But what’s behind the Brummy boy’s success at Madrid this season?
Bellingham hit the ground running in the Spanish capital with five goals in his first four games but few could imagine he’d sustain that level for as long as he has. The emerging star has fit into the team seamlessly with his dynamism injecting some much-needed energy into a reinvigorated midfield. His 22 goal contributions makes him the club’s top scorer so far this season and with five assists he is only one assist off of Rodrygo’s tally of six. His 0.88 goals per game is far beyond that of his teammates and with a shot accuracy of 73% and a goal conversion rate of 40% he is comfortably Madrid’s most potent attacking threat. His creative spark has already made him a fan favourite and his professionalism comes through on the pitch as he continues to show maturity beyond his years. That same professionalism hasn’t gone unnoticed on the international stage either as the 20-year-old has endeared himself to England head coach Gareth Southgate. Bellingham is now the first name on the teamsheet for his country with many billing him as the potential difference maker for the Three Lions out in Germany at EURO 2024. His influence is undeniable and his potential seemingly limitless.
Carlo Ancelotti’s Madrid struggled in LaLiga last season, falling well off the required pace in the title race losing out to Barcelona and ending up ten points behind their El Clasico rivals. A big contributor to their disappointing showing last term was their inconsistent midfield. The squad clearly felt the loss of Casemiro more than they had expected and Aurélien Tchouaméni’s inconsistent performances in his stead meant that Toni Kroos and Luka Modric were left picking up the pieces and forced to play more of a holding role. Now with the Englishman in their ranks have been afforded the opportunity to dictate the game’s pace again and have excelled in doing just that. Bellingham’s arrival has now brought balance back to the midfield trio and the team synergy is evident. His move up for number 10 has been an inspired choice by Ancelotti who can now exploit the youngster’s unrivalled ability to spot gaps and orchestrate attacks. His successful integration into that position has not only improved his own ability in front of goal but also lifted the performance of the players in and around him too, most notably Rodrygo who has already bagged ten goals and six assists this season. The midfield’s understanding of one another after such a short space of time has caught the eye of many across Europe and has transformed Madrid’s midfield for the better.
Even at €103 million, he has proven to be one of the bargains of the summer transfer window and the positive impact he has had on his teammates as well as the fans is palpable. He is beginning to accrue a cult-like following in Madrid already being labelled a ‘Galactico’ but he is also earning plenty of plaudits across Europe. His outstanding displays on the pitch combined with an incredible work ethic, attitude and remarkable leadership qualities for his age help him stand out as not only a difference maker on the pitch, but a real contender for the Ballon d’Or in 2024. Punters who enjoy using Trustly at bookmakers can see that Bellingham is 5/2 to win the Ballon d’Or next year. Despite being labeled the favourite for the coveted award, his chances of lifting the famous golden ball aloft next year will likely rest on his collection of silverware come the end of this season. Thankfully for the young England international he is well-positioned to add to his trophy cabinet for both club and country in the second half of the season. Madrid might be two points behind LaLiga leaders Girona but they are putting the pressure on and there remains ample time to close that small deficit. In Europe, Los Blancos will always be in the conversation and with Bellingham there is a real chance they improve on their semi-final exit last season to eventual champions Manchester City. As for England, Southgate’s side are the preliminary favourites heading into the EUROs and on current form will take some stopping in their bid to redeem the heartbreaking loss of EURO 2020. For now though, his presence has given Real Madrid a sense of identity that was sorely lacking in 2022/23 and has helped establish himself as a pivotal figure in the club’s quest for success this season.
