Jude Bellingham’s ability to irritate opponents in a subtle, yet effective way has become a hallmark of his playing style.
In the recent match against Manchester City, Bellingham showcased that trademark niggly quality that gets under the skin of opposing players.
When Phil Foden was advancing on goal, Bellingham made sure to disrupt him, bundling him over with a foul that, though not booking-worthy, was just enough to stop the attack.
The referee, Istvan Kovacs, saw it for what it was and swiftly gave Manchester City the ball.
Despite the foul, Bellingham made an attempt to question the decision, only to hold back, perhaps wisely so.
After all, arguing with a Romanian referee might not be the smartest move, especially given the current public scrutiny surrounding Bellingham’s conduct after recent incidents.
A Moment of Restraint Amid Growing Controversy
In the first half, Bellingham was again booked for a foul on Foden.
This time, he seemed more frustrated, yet given the recent media storm surrounding his behavior, he showed some restraint.
Notably, after his outburst towards referee Jose Luis Munuera Montero during a Real Madrid draw with Osasuna, Bellingham’s restraint seemed out of character.
His father, Mark, was able to walk into the stadium without any fan interaction, surprising many given his son’s status as a star at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Over the weekend, Bellingham had become the talk of Spain.
Real Madrid’s outrage over officiating decisions, the subsequent death threats to referee Montero, and the debate about the fairness of Bellingham’s two-match suspension all contributed to a tense atmosphere.
Even former players and coaches weighed in, with some calling his actions disrespectful.
Still, Bellingham’s father seemed to navigate this high-profile environment without incident.
The 21-Year-Old Midfield Maestro Who Does It All
Bellingham’s performance on the pitch continues to captivate, even as he faces this media storm.
Operating primarily as a left midfielder, he was everywhere during the match, not because he had something to prove, but because that’s simply how he plays for Real Madrid.
His unselfish nature was on display when he made a simple yet crucial pass for Vinicius Junior, which led to Kylian Mbappe scoring Real’s second goal.
It’s easy to forget that Bellingham is just 21 years old.
His command of the ball across the field is remarkable, constantly demanding possession and always looking to get the ball back when he passes it off.
His physicality is another asset—whether it’s using his strength to dominate at corners or using his body to win challenges in his own half, Bellingham has shown time and again that he’s a player capable of doing the dirty work just as well as the glamorous stuff.
A Look at Bellingham’s Mentality and Practice Routine
Even during warm-ups, Bellingham’s focus was evident.
He struck the ball with precision during shooting drills, showing the kind of mentality that suggests he’s always prepared for the moment when a chance arises.
His consistency in practice was clear, repeating the same shot technique over and over, always aiming for perfection.
It’s no surprise that last week, his defensive contributions stood out as well.
In Real Madrid’s victory, Bellingham made 21 defensive actions, the most of any player in the team.
His ability to intercept, tackle, and recover the ball showed a level of discipline and defensive awareness that further solidifies his importance to the team.
Bellingham’s Role in Real Madrid’s Success
In the second leg of the match, Real Madrid controlled the pace of the game with ease.
Bellingham had the freedom to make long passes across the field, with little pressure from Manchester City.
Real Madrid’s ability to manage the game and drain the clock was a testament to their maturity, with Bellingham playing a pivotal role in dictating the flow.
It’s clear that Bellingham can replicate this level of play for England, especially if a manager like Thomas Tuchel gets the best out of him.
Bellingham’s hard work and versatility make him not just a star for Real Madrid, but a player who could make an immense impact on the international stage as well.