Jude Bellingham’s meteoric rise at Real Madrid appears to have hit turbulent waters, with reports suggesting the England international has become “one of the biggest losers” under Carlo Ancelotti’s recent tactical reshuffling. The situation has reportedly raised eyebrows among Real Madrid’s hierarchy, who view the midfielder’s current predicament as “unknown, unhinged, and misguided.”
The 21-year-old sensation, who took Spanish football by storm in his debut season with an impressive tally of 23 goals across all competitions, finds himself struggling to maintain that extraordinary form. Bellingham’s role has undergone a significant transformation, largely influenced by the anticipated arrival of Kylian Mbappe and Ancelotti’s subsequent tactical adjustments.
Spanish publication Relevo has revealed growing concerns within the club’s boardroom regarding Bellingham’s shifting position on the field. The young midfielder, who previously thrived in a number 10 role that allowed him to showcase his attacking prowess, has been pushed into deeper positions and shuffled between the right and left sides of midfield. This positional uncertainty has contributed to a notable drought in front of goal, with Bellingham now goalless in his last 12 appearances.
The timing of this tactical disruption couldn’t be more critical for Real Madrid, who have recently suffered consecutive defeats against fierce rivals Barcelona in La Liga and AC Milan in the Champions League. These setbacks have intensified scrutiny on Ancelotti’s management decisions, particularly his handling of key players like Bellingham.
While Real Madrid’s board has shown reluctance to make any mid-season managerial changes, the pressure is mounting on Ancelotti to justify his tactical choices and restore the team’s winning momentum. The Italian tactician’s future at the club appears increasingly dependent on his ability to resolve these issues, including finding the optimal position for Bellingham to recapture his early-season form.
The current situation represents a stark contrast to Bellingham’s exceptional start at Real Madrid, where he not only contributed significantly to the team’s La Liga and Champions League campaigns but also established himself as a serious contender for the prestigious Ballon d’Or. His adaptation to Spanish football had been seamless, making his recent struggles all the more noticeable.
Real Madrid’s strategic planning for the future, particularly regarding the integration of new talent like Mbappe, seems to have inadvertently compromised Bellingham’s effectiveness. The young Englishman’s versatility, while valuable, may have worked against him as he’s been moved around the pitch to accommodate tactical experiments and new formations.
The situation raises questions about Real Madrid’s ability to maintain balance while incorporating multiple star players into their system. Bellingham’s case serves as a cautionary tale about the challenges of managing a squad filled with world-class talent and the importance of maintaining tactical stability even while planning for future additions.
As Real Madrid enters a crucial period in their season, all eyes will be on Ancelotti’s approach to resolving this tactical conundrum. The success of both the team and Bellingham’s individual development may well depend on finding a solution that allows the talented midfielder to return to the role where he previously excelled.
For Bellingham himself, this period represents the first significant challenge of his Real Madrid career. His ability to adapt and overcome these tactical obstacles will be crucial not only for his own development but also for Real Madrid’s ambitions in both domestic and European competitions. The coming weeks will be pivotal in determining whether this is merely a temporary setback or a more serious concern requiring significant tactical revision.
