Over the last few years, Jude Bellingham has been the name on every football fan’s lips. His performances for Borussia Dortmund since joining from Birmingham City back in 2020 have caught the eye of all the top clubs in Europe, and it’s no surprise that something of a bidding war developed for the Englishman.
Liverpool were long touted as the club most likely to acquire his signature, but as Jurgen Klopp’s side struggled domestically, and as the reality of the cost to acquire Bellingham hit home, it soon became clear that Real Madrid and Manchester City were the only two clubs who could realistically gain Bellingham’s services.
Real Madrid got their man in the end, and there’s no doubting that Bellingham is the man who this great club are pinning their future hopes on. After all, he’s got everything — outstanding close control, great technique, and ability to drive forward and score goals, as well as fierce determination and nascent leadership qualities. At just 20 years of age, Bellingham is already the full package.
He’s just what Real Madrid need to try and regain the Champions League trophy. Carlo Ancelotti and co. will be desperate to make up for last season, where they were humiliated in the semi-final second leg against Manchester City and denied a trip to Istanbul to defend the title they won in 2022. This season, as well as attempting to regain the La Liga title, Los Blancos will be desperate to live up to their status in the odds for Champions League success
Bellingham is certainly someone who has the ability to drive the team towards glory. It was clear last season that Real Madrid missed Casemiro in those big Champions League games, someone who had the guile and doggedness to disrupt proceedings and ensure his team were on the front foot. While Bellingham doesn’t quite possess the same skillset as the Brazilian, he has a similar role to play in terms of setting the tone and leading by example.
He’ll also have a fine mentor alongside him in the form of Luka Modric. Now 37, the Croatian is entering his twilight years, but he still has plenty to offer, and Bellingham’s energy and verve will complement Modric’s calmness and composure perfectly. Combine that with the likes of Toni Kroos, Aurelien Tchouameni, Federico Valverde and Eduardo Camavinga, and Real Madrid are well stacked in the midfield department.
Bellingham brings an innate ability to produce his best in big games, and that’s exactly what Real Madrid need if they’re going to win the Champions League. You can’t help but feel that if Bellingham had been on the pitch in that second leg against Manchester City last season, it would have been a different story, and Real Madrid’s football odds would have been shorter.
Ancelotti is a coach with a track record of getting the best out of individuals, and you can expect big things from Bellingham in the famous white shirt this season. Whether he has enough to drive Real Madrid towards a 15th European Cup remains to be seen, but there’s no doubt that this is a hugely exciting time for fans of the Spanish giants.
