Real Madrid is one of the biggest soccer clubs in the world, many of soccer’s biggest stars dream of playing there. Last season was a rather disappointing one for the club where they failed to win any meaningful trophies, missing on out both the Champions League and the La Liga title. The offseason did not help Madrid’s case as they lost one of their best players, Karim Benzema. With many holes across their team, Madrid’s one true strength lies in their midfield, where they have stars in Luka Modric, Toni Kroos, Eduardo Camavinga, and others who have shined brightly in the past. 

With that knowledge, Madrid’s offseason acquisitions were a bit puzzling. They acquired players such as Arda Guler, another midfielder, and Joselu, a sub-par replacement for Benzema. The main signing, however, was one that left many excited for the future, and that was getting Jude Bellingham from Borussia Dortmund. Jude Bellingham is a 20-year-old midfielder from England and has been touted as one of the best young prospects in the world. He had been long since connected to Real Madrid, with the transfer finally taking place this summer. Once again, although he’s a great player, another midfielder was not a need for Madrid

Fast forward to today, Real Madrid has suffered many, many injuries yet they are still performing at a high level. As of writing this blog, star defender Eder Militao and star goalie Thibaut Courtois are both out for the season. Star players Camavinga, Tchouaméni, and Vinicius Jr. are also missing considerable time. What makes it even worse is that Madrid’s backup goalie, Arrizabalaga, is also out for an injury. So the fact that Madrid is still winning games comfortably is insanity and it all comes down to one player.

Jude Bellingham, mind you is playing as a midfielder and is breaking goal-scoring records for Madrid. In 16 games as a Madrid player, he has scored 15 goals and recorded 4 assists, leading La Liga in goals so far. This insane feat is made even more impressive in that he has had relatively little help alongside him, with the only meaningful contributor aside from him being Rodrygo who himself has caught fire in the last 4 games. Additionally, Bellingham has had recent injury issues with his shoulder, playing through it and still managing to score consistently. 

With all that being said, we still have to wait and see if Bellingham can keep this crazy form up. If he can and if Madrid wins a few trophies, he would be a shoo-in for the Ballon d’Or, a trophy representing the best player in soccer. The future is bright for this young man and team, who knows how strong they will be when everybody is healthy, we can only wait and see. 

Source: 

Gokhale, Aditya. “Real Madrid Hero Jude Bellingham Bizarrely Compared to a ‘motorbike’ by Manager Carlo Ancelotti after Record-Breaking England Star Scores Again versus Napoli.” Goal.Com, Goal.com, 30 Nov. 2023, www.goal.com/en/lists/jude-bellingham-compared-motorbike-by-carlo-ancelotti-scores-again-versus-napoli/blt81aa67f4d266ab32.