INTRODUCTION
Ever since Jude Bellingham began tearing up the field in Borussia Dortmund, clubs all across the world had set eyes on him. Today, he’s one of the most respected and praised English midfielders, while some even hail him to win the Ballon D’Or this season. Undoubtedly, it has been a season of immense success for the midfielder. Let us provide some of our insights and analysis on his season thus far.
BELLINGHAM AT DORTMUND
Borussia Dortmund have had a knack for picking out young talents, and Jude Bellingham is no exception to this. Since making his debut as a 17-year-old, he ticked all the boxes for the club. He predominantly played as a no. 8, right box-to-box midfielder, with immense versatility. He was a delight to watch, and dangerous in a number of situations, including the transition, and long runs where he did away defenders with ease.
With a solid head for decisive vertical passes, as well as being an excellent ball carrier, Bellingham was a serious threat. Coupled with this, he began crashing the box at vital moments, allowing him to pick up loose balls and score goals often.
He made sure every move was to the ball toward the final third, making him an invaluable asset to Dortmund. Knowing when to play one-twos and link-up, he involved the other players in all attacking progressions. His defensive prowess wasn’t something that flew under the radar either. His counter-pressing and pressing strategies kept the attacking midfield aggressive and solid.
He had an excellent defensive duel win-rate, while blocking and intercepting several passes and shots. He clearly excelled in every aspect of the game, while being in the top 1% for successful take-ons and touches in the opposition penalty box.
BELLINGHAM'S MOVE TO REAL MADRID
Given his versatility, it was no shock that teams across the world took an interest in him. On 14th June 2023, Jude Bellingham moved to Real Madrid, in a move that excited football fans across the world. Immediately, he began excelling as a standout performer in a team chock-full of world-class players such as Vinicius Jr, Valverde, Tchouameni, and more.
Jude Bellingham established his trademark of well-timed runs into the box, and immediately became a prolific goal-scorer, earning the name ‘Belligol’. A complete hybrid midfielder, he embodies the no. 6, no. 8, and no. 10, as a high-energy and versatile box-to-box midfielder. He displays relentless composure and confidence, with vision and link-up play that shows clear maturity.
THE FACTORS BEHIND BELLINGHAM'S SUCCESS AT MADRID
His success at Real Madrid boils down to a few factors. He utilises all sorts of runs to enter the penalty box. Using his physicality, he easily beats defenders in duels to get to the ball and deliver the final touch. He has an incredible knack for finding open spaces and entering them. He is extremely versatile and adaptable, switching between short and long play when necessary. He has the ability to provide long, precise passes, while keeping an eye out for one-twos and link-up plays.
He possesses a locker of finishing, able to score from a variety of open spaces and from different situations. Additionally, he possesses a machine-like work-rate that can allow him to access all areas of the pitch, and provide his 100%. He continues to look and chase for the ball, aiming to position himself intelligently, to provide an attacking thrust.
Undoubtedly, Jude Bellingham embodies the ideal modern midfielder. With a world-class midfield line-up such as Real Madrid’s, and the potential signing of Kylian Mbappe, Real Madrid will undoubtedly become a win machine.