England international Jude Bellingham has hit back at critics regarding his goal output this season for Real Madrid.
Bellingham, despite being a midfielder has become famous for his record in front of goal. The former Borussia Dortmund star netted a staggering 23 goals in all competitions for Madrid in his debut season.
He also produced clutch moments in El Clasico and the Champions League. Bellingham’s goal celebration – standing with arms outstretched – became a global trend and he was instrumental in Carlo Ancelotti’s double-winning side.
However, the arrival of Mbappe in the summer of 2024 has changed the way Madrid attack teams and Bellingham’s role in the squad.
No longer the primary target for crosses or the man tasked with breaking the defensive line, the Bellingham has been redeployed into the engine room.
Last season, he scored 15 goals and has five to his name so far this term – has led to scrutiny in the Spanish press this season, with critics questioning whether his influence has waned in the shadow of the Frenchman.
Bellingham, however, rejects this narrative entirely. Speaking to the media, he insisted that the recalibration of his role was a logical and necessary step to maximise Mbappe’s talents.
Jude Bellingham celebrates scoring a goal with Kylian Mbappe. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
“It has been an easy change,” Bellingham explained. “In my first season here I lived very close to the rival box and scored quite a few goals, but after the arrival of Mbappe, we have a natural striker who scores 40 goals per season and it is no longer necessary for me to be so far forward.”
The midfielder was keen to point out that while he may not be chasing the Pichichi trophy anymore, he is far from a passenger in the final third.
“Every season I am going to contribute my goals, I have that arrival,” he stated. “I scored 15 playing further back, which is not bad at all. This year I am playing further back and I influence the play more. It is a different role but goals have never been the most important thing for me.”
Bellingham also had his say on Vinicius Jr who has been in the spotlight this season for his relationship with manager Xabi Alonso.
The Englishman offered a staunch defence of his colleague, urging observers to look past the finishing statistics and the surrounding noise.
“From my perspective I think there is a lot of pressure on Vini,” Bellingham noted. “He does a lot of good on the pitch. Maybe there is a block in front of goal, but I see an electric and very creative player.”
