Wanted: Jude Bellingham at Real Madrid

Real Madrid are eager to see the iconic outstretched arms of the number 5, Jude Bellingham, celebrating a goal. The Englishman is performing with his usual intensity, taking a central role in the game, but the back of the net is eluding him this season.

The challenge is that Jude himself set a high standard last season: at this same stage, after seven games, he had already scored six goals and emerged as a surprising contender for the LaLiga Pichichi. This time around, in stark contrast, he has none.

Tactically, Bellingham isn’t as close to the opposition’s box as he was in the 2023-24 season, largely due to the presence of an offensive powerhouse like Mbappé and the return of Vinicius, who had been sidelined by injury last year. Still, something seems to be off.

Bellingham ‘not doing the same things he did last year’

Bellingham has taken ten shots so far (one of them nearly earning Madrid an equaliser in the closing stages against Lille), but none have found the back of the net. “He’s not doing the same things he did last year,” admitted Ancelotti after the defeat in France. Goals have become elusive, whereas last season, his clutch performances lifted the team. Think of his stoppage-time goal against Union Berlin (1-0), the winner in the 81st minute against Celta Vigo (0-1), or the late heroic strike against Getafe (1-0)—all before October.

Now, an injury to his plantar fascia sidelined him for four games (against Valladolid, Las Palmas, Betis, and Real Sociedad), forcing him to take a more cautious approach. “Maybe my body was telling me to rest,” he admitted. On top of that, an un-operated shoulder issue has added concern, preventing him from fully regaining his form.

Nevertheless, Bellingham’s role remains pivotal. He was named MVP in Warsaw for his standout performance in the European Super Cup against Atalanta, where he assisted Mbappé's first goal for Madrid, signalling a growing partnership. He also set up Kylian’s brilliant strike against Alavés.

In the recent derby, Bellingham was one of Madrid’s best players. The club isn’t worried about him—his presence on the pitch is undeniable—but a goal from him would certainly help a team struggling to consistently generate rhythm, currently playing to the erratic beat of sporadic brilliance.