From’England, Jude Bellingham completely exhibits Carlo Ancelotti

Summoned with the English national team’ for the last FIFA international truce, Jude Bellingham has delivered two XXL matches.In difficulty at Real Madrid this season, the English midfielder proves to the utmost that Carlo Ancelotti cannot put him in the best conditions to shine.

Jude Bellingham, who joined Real Madrid last season, made an explosive impact during his debut campaign. Widely regarded as the heir to Zinedine Zidane, the English midfielder delivered a stellar performance, scoring 20 goals and providing numerous assists. A key figure in Real Madrid’s success last season, Bellingham now faces heightened expectations as he aims to build on his remarkable debut under Carlo Ancelotti’s leadership.

Ancelotti’s Tactical Challenges with Bellingham
Despite his immense effort and energy on the pitch this season, Bellingham has struggled to replicate his goal-scoring form. His role has shifted due to the arrival of Kylian Mbappé, which has required Bellingham to focus more on defensive duties and covering for the two attackers. This adjustment has limited his presence in the attacking third.

However, recent tactical tweaks by Ancelotti have allowed Bellingham to take on a more advanced role as a makeshift number nine, typically reserved for Mbappé. While he managed to find the net against Osasuna in La Liga, Bellingham is still not being utilized to his full potential as a playmaker, a position in which he truly excels.

Stellar Performances on the International Stage
In contrast to his club struggles, Bellingham has flourished for England. Under coach Lee Carsley, he has been deployed in a central playmaking role, showcasing his brilliance. During a Nations League match against Greece, Bellingham made a remarkable solo run that led to a goal (credited as an own goal by the Greek goalkeeper). He followed this up with a man-of-the-match performance against Ireland, where he earned a penalty and provided two assists in England’s 5-0 victory. At just 21 years old, Bellingham has now been directly involved in 105 goals (goals and assists) across his career, underlining his incredible talent.

Pressure on Ancelotti to Optimize Bellingham’s Role
Returning to Madrid on the back of his international exploits, Bellingham’s next challenge lies in reclaiming his influence at club level. Ancelotti must find a system that maximizes the talents of players like Bellingham and Arda Güler, who has also impressed with Turkey. With crucial fixtures on the horizon, including a Champions League clash against Liverpool, Ancelotti faces significant pressure to create a cohesive team where Bellingham, Vinícius Júnior, and Mbappé can all thrive.

The upcoming matches will test Ancelotti’s ability to balance the squad’s strengths and ensure Bellingham continues to shine, both for Real Madrid and in the broader footballing world.