- Jude Bellingham’s problems continued as Real Madrid suffered a huge defeat.
- Barcelona reigned victorious in El Clásico while Madrid was dismantled
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Jude Bellingham’s troubled start to his second season at Real Madrid took another nightmarish turn at the weekend as he was criticized by the Spanish press as the reigning Champions League holders were dismantled in a 4-0 defeat in El Clásico .
The Englishman battled alongside his fellow Madrid superstars as Robert Lewandowski led Barcelona’s impressive four-goal performance at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Bellingham scored 23 goals during his debut year in the Spanish capital but has yet to find the back of the net once this season in 11 games in all competitions and has been wasteful in front of goal.
Kylian Mbappé’s successful summer move forced Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti to adjust Bellingham’s position to suit the Frenchman and the change is so far proving difficult.
Instead of playing further forward, Bellingham has taken on a deeper midfield role that focuses more on defence, and his performances are not up to par with what fans expect.
Jude Bellingham’s troubled start to his second season at Real Madrid took another nightmarish turn with defeat in El Clasico at the weekend.
Bellingham was forced into a more defensive role as Barcelona dominated proceedings.
Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti (pictured) adjusted Bellingham’s midfield position
The 21-year-old wasted his shots in clashes against Borussia Dortmund and Barcelona last week as his desperation resulted in chaotic attempts to score and Bellingham’s performances are being heavily scrutinized by the Spanish media.
Then, at the Santiago Bernabéu in Madrid, humiliated by their arch-rivals, heat maps show Bellingham often playing on the flank and sometimes deputizing at right-back.
AS were furious that the young talent has done a ‘180 degree turn’ and is no longer the goal threat he once was after falling into a defensive position that he is struggling to adapt to.
The change of position prevented Bellingham from occupying the dangerous attacking positions against Barcelona that he has thrived in since moving to Spain as the LaLiga champions suffered a dismal defeat.
The summer arrival of Kylian Mbappé to Madrid is causing changes in the team’s tactics
Bellingham is still looking for the first goal of the season after failing to score against Barcelona
Madrid coach Ancelotti had already tried to calm criticism of Bellingham, stating before the Clásico defeat: “His condition is very good even if he doesn’t score goals, his job is very important and he knows it very well.”
However, discontent is growing among the club’s demanding fans, who are still not convinced that Mbappé can achieve success after joining from PSG.
The Madrid superstar struggled to stay in the game against Barcelona and when scoring opportunities presented themselves he saw his shots well saved.
Both Mbappé and Bellingham will join teammate Vinicius Jnr in Paris on Monday night with the trio among the shortlisted candidates to lift the Ballon d’Or.
