Jude Bellingham has enjoyed an incredible journey to the top from Birmingham City to Real Madrid and despite being just 21, already seems to be a leader among the club’s dressing room
Jude Bellingham didn’t hold back with his Real Madrid demands during the side’s opening match of the season.
The England international may still be only 21 but won La Liga’s player of the season last year in his debut season with Los Blancos. The young midfielder is not afraid to have his say on and off the pitch despite being among some of the world’s most prestigious players.
It was a difficult outing for Carlo Ancelotti’s side as they only managed a draw on their trip to Real Mallorca on Sunday evening. Rodrygo ‘s early strike was cancelled out by Vedat Muriqi’s equaliser in the 53rd minutes as Real could only claim a point.
Congregating within the depths of the Mallorca Son Moix Stadium, Bellingham forcefully told Rodrygo, Vinicius Junior and blockbuster signing Kylian Mbappe what he expected from them. The former Borussia Dortmund appeared frustrated with the volume of running required when their opposition were able to quickly counter.
“You three, we need to finish the attack, because the running back… is f*****g hard,” said Bellingham in footage captured by Movistar. Mbappe was hoping to see something simila.: “That’s what I’m saying. We have to finish with something.”
Bellingham added: “Yeah, even if it gets tight, create a yard and [shoot].”
Ancelotti reflected on his team’s performance and noted that his team struggled to find balance on Sunday. Speaking afterwards he said: “Balance is found when players think the same when they have to win the ball back. We have to all go together.
“Everyone can think that it is a problem for the forwards, but it can also be for the defenders or the midfielders. They did not understand that this was a very important aspect. Mallorca played a great game and were better than us.”
Jude Bellingham of Real Madrid reacts during the La Liga match between RCD Mallorca and Real Madrid CF ( Image: Alex Caparros)
Bellingham and Mbappe’s first match together went more smoothly as they claimed the UEFA Super Cup over Atalanta. The duo combined for the Frenchman to bag his first goal for the club.
It appears Sunday’s match was predicted by Bellingham following that trophy win, he acknowledged that the team’s successes would not always come so easily. “We have a new-look team,” he told TNT Sport.