Jude Bellingham left the pitch to a standing ovation at the Bernabeu last Saturday. He has become used to those following his extraordinary start to life at Real Madrid — and he joined up with the England squad this week as arguably the most in-form player in world football.
Just two months into his Madrid career, Bellingham has become the leader in a team of superstars. His two goals in a 4-0 LaLiga win over Osasuna took him to 10 goals in 10 games for his new club, and already he is being referred to in Spain as ‘El Jefe’, the boss.
The 20-year-old has been a sensation and, with Euro 2024 on the horizon, his emergence as one of the best midfielders on the planet could be a game-changer for England.
For so long, Gareth Southgate has looked to Harry Kane as his leader. But there is surely now an argument for the England manager to build the team around his new-era Galactico.
Southgate has always guarded against over-hyping players, although it is almost impossible to temper expectations around a player who has taken Spain by storm. Bellingham had big plans when he moved to Madrid from Borussia Dortmund for £88million over the summer.
He raised eyebrows by choosing the No5 shirt, made iconic by Zinedine Zidane, but on his debut soon drew comparisons with the France legend. A volleyed goal was a carbon copy of one Zidane scored against Espanyol in 2005-06, while one marauding run from deep was also reminiscent of Zizou in his prime.
From the outset at Madrid, Bellingham vowed to learn from club legends Luka Modric and Toni Kroos and “be a sponge” around two of the best midfielders of their generation. He has quickly moved ahead of both players in the team under Carlo Ancelotti, who has been keen to rejuvenate his midfield.
Madrid failed to win silverware last season, and Ancelotti is overseeing a transition to a younger, more dynamic team, with Bellingham regularly lining up in midfield with Eduardo Camavinga, 20, Aurelien Tchouameni, 23, and Fede Valverde, 25.
It has been labelled “Generation Bellingham” by Spanish newspaper AS and he has helped Madrid move on without Ballon d’Or winner Karim Benzema following his move to Saudi Arabia.
A new formation placed Bellingham as the most-advanced midfielder in a diamond behind Brazilian forwards Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo. Playing as a No10, but often starting further back in a free role, his box-to-box runs and build-up play quickly made a mark.
That advanced role just off the front was where he excelled for England against Scotland at Hampden Park last month and where he seems certain to play at the Euros next summer. With 10 goals, he has matched Cristiano Ronaldo’s tally in his first 10 games for Los Blancos.
Bellingham is already their main source of goals, and his ability to produce big moments could be decisive for England as they bid to finally get over the line at a major tournament.
Bellingham’s ability to produce big moments could be decisive for England as they bid to finally get over the line at a major tournament
After important goals in his first two LaLiga matches, Bellingham then scored an 81st-minute winner against Celta Vigo, followed by a 95th-minute winner for Madrid against Getafe in their first match back at the newly-renovated Bernabeu.
In his first Champions League game for Madrid, Bellingham scored a 94th-minute winner against Union Berlin. In their second game in Europe, he starred against Napoli and scored a stunning solo effort which led to comparisons to Alfredo Di Stefano and Diego Maradona.
Then, last Saturday, he scored either side of half-time against Osasuna to help keep Madrid two points clear at the top of LaLiga.
“He is incredible,” said team-mate Vinicius after the game. “He was born to play for Real Madrid, to mark an era in the biggest club in the world. Jude is one of the best players in the world.”
The limelight is relentless at Madrid, but Bellingham knows that he belongs on the grand stage. Assured man-management from Ancelotti has helped him settle in Spain and he has embraced Spanish culture.
Bellingham has tried to converse with fans and is determined to learn Spanish. He wants to make more of an effort to speak it publicly than other British players, such as David Beckham, Michael Owen and Gareth Bale did. He has already delivered video messages in Spanish.
His personality, committed displays on the pitch, epic late winners and passionate celebrations have quickly made him a fan favourite.
“He’s out of the ordinary,” Ancelotti has said of Bellingham. “Nobody expected this level and this number of goals. What surprises me most is his maturity. Let’s not forget he is 20. He’s very intelligent, learns really fast and he’s happy to be here. He has his feet on the ground, with great seriousness and professionalism.
“He hasn’t got a fixed position on the pitch, and that gives him an advantage. He gets into good positions and links up well with his team-mates.”
Perhaps Southgate should take note. Bellingham took centre stage in the No10 role for England when he sliced through Scotland last month, and he could be unstoppable at the Euros if given freedom to roam in a system that takes away some of his defensive duties.
“He’s playing higher [up the pitch this season] and we played him higher against Scotland,” said Southgate ahead of Friday’s friendly against Australia.
“He had that freedom in the Ukraine game as well, but we didn’t use the game well enough in the final third. But he’s always looked dangerous and had an impact around the opposing box with Borussia Dortmund and with us, without looking quite as calm as he has this season in front of goal.
“It’s brilliant to have people who can win games. He’s been the match-winner for Real Madrid and the start for him has been absolutely phenomenal.”
Bellingham already has 26 caps for England. For context, Steven Gerrard made his international debut when was 20, while Frank Lampard and Paul Gascoigne did not play for England until they were 21.
For England fans, it is exciting to think what Bellingham will be like when he reaches his prime. He is being talked about as a future Ballon d’Or winner, and the start he has made to his career at Madrid suggests the sky is the limit.
Southgate continues to face accusations of being too cautious and pragmatic, but Bellingham makes England less predictable. His ability to burst into the box and drive through the lines is also good news for Kane, because it will give opposition defenders another threat to think about.
The impact Bellingham has made for England has been compared to Wayne Rooney, who took Euro 2004 by storm. Bellingham is a different player and character to Rooney, but he has given England reason to dream.
