Jude Bellingham was heavily criticised by the Spanish press following Real Madrid’s 4-0 defeat to Barcelona on Saturday.
The midfielder, who is one of Madrid’s most prized assets, was labelled “a shadow of his former self” at the Bernabeu. Despite being a key player under Carlo Ancelotti last season, Bellingham has struggled this term, providing just one assist and failing to find the back of the net in seven La Liga appearances.
His lacklustre performance couldn’t prevent Madrid from being hammered by their rivals, with Lamine Yamal, Raphinha and Robert Lewandowski – who netted twice – all scoring during a nightmarish evening for the home team.
Bellingham played the full match but failed to make an impact, leading Marca to blame Ancelotti for not utilising him in his preferred position. The Italian manager has used Bellingham on the right wing this season, a decision that Marca reporter Juan Ignacio Garcia-Ochoa described as a “joke in bad taste”.
He wrote: “Bellingham is a shadow of the player who burst onto the scene last season at the Bernabeu,” adding, “And the fault lies not with him, but with the way he is being managed.
“Every day he plays in a position that is not his and the boy, although he gives his all, does not shine. Playing close to the right flank, playing as a full-back for many minutes, is a joke in bad taste that Ancelotti must correct immediately,” reports the Mirror.
“The fact that a player who last year scored 20 goals has not scored any when we are almost in November is something that deserves serious analysis.”
Last season saw Bellingham bathing in adoration from Spanish media, with the Englishman being touted as Madrid’s saviour after smashing in an impressive 23 goals in all competitions and playing a vital role in his squad clinching both La Liga and Champions League victories.
The midfielder, who made the switch from Borussia Dortmund to Madrid last summer, further displayed his talents during Euro 2024 for England – banging in two goals and laying on another two assists, propelling the Three Lions to the finals where they suffered a heart-wrenching 2-1 defeat to Spain.
Despite this term’s dip in form, Ancelotti was quick to dismiss any worries over Bellingham’s barren goal tally: “He’s doing very well, he’s progressing, he’s had problems with his ankle and shoulder, but his condition is good. He is contributing with work, which is very important for us.”