Jude Bellingham, the rising star of English football, has already made a significant impact on the international stage. At just 20 years old, he has already led Real Madrid to a La Liga title this season and is now poised to help them secure their 15th Champions League title. Bellingham’s journey to success has been marked by several stylistic evolutions and a remarkable versatility on the pitch.
Bellingham’s career began at Birmingham City, where he quickly progressed through the academy and made his first-team debut at the age of 16. His early years at Birmingham saw him play in various positions, including as a wide player and a deep central midfielder. His ability to adapt and excel in different roles showcased his intelligence and understanding of the game.
Former Birmingham left-back Paul Robinson, who coached Bellingham at the club, praised his tactical awareness and versatility. Robinson revealed that Bellingham’s development involved incorporating elements of a defensive midfielder, a box-to-box midfielder, and a creative playmaker. This unique blend of skills led to Bellingham wearing the number 22 shirt, symbolizing his ability to excel in multiple positions.
During his time at Birmingham, Bellingham also worked on improving his weaknesses, such as heading the ball. With the guidance of his coaches, Bellingham developed his heading ability and became more comfortable using both feet. These skills have remained a crucial part of his game and have contributed to his success at Real Madrid.
When Bellingham joined Borussia Dortmund at the age of 17, he impressed his new teammates with his technical ability and physicality. Initially deployed as a deep-lying playmaker, Bellingham gradually transitioned into a more attacking role. His shot-creating actions per 90 minutes increased significantly, showcasing his ability to drive forward from midfield.
Former Dortmund goalkeeper Roman Burki praised Bellingham’s confidence and mentality, highlighting his rapid development and improvement in decision-making. As Bellingham became more involved in the attack, his goal-scoring prowess also grew. In his final season with Dortmund, he scored 14 goals in 42 games, showcasing his ability to find the back of the net.
Bellingham’s move to Real Madrid last summer has taken his game to new heights. He has already scored 23 goals in 41 games and is the third highest scorer in La Liga this season. His average of 0.77 goals per 90 minutes is a significant improvement from his time at Dortmund. Bellingham’s positioning as a number 10 or even higher on the pitch has allowed him to take advantage of the central space created by his teammates’ wide positioning.
European football expert Andy Brassell believes that Bellingham’s scoring feats were unexpected, even for the young star himself. However, Brassell also notes that Bellingham’s scoring has dipped somewhat in recent months and that he hasn’t made a significant impact in the biggest Champions League games. These experiences will undoubtedly contribute to Bellingham’s long-term progression and resilience as a player.
Looking ahead, Bellingham’s future at Real Madrid remains bright. Despite the potential arrival of Kylian Mbappe, Bellingham has already established himself as a key figure at the Bernabeu. His mentality and desire to be the best will continue to drive him forward, and he will undoubtedly strive to become the best player in the world.
Overall, Jude Bellingham’s journey from Birmingham City to Real Madrid is a testament to his versatility, adaptability, and impressive skill set. His ability to excel in various positions and improve upon his weaknesses has made him a rising star in European football. With his continued development and determination, Bellingham has the potential to become one of the greatest players of his generation.