Carlo Ancelotti promises Jude Bellingham job after criticism at Real Madrid

Real Madrid fans have identified with Jude Bellingham since the start of his time in Madrid, but his disappointed face was not the image they were hoping to convey during Saturday night’s El Clasico. Bellingham played on the right flank to stop Alejandro Balde’s marauding movements, not only weakening his own contribution to the attack, but also failing to prevent his opponent from helping to score the second goal.

Manager Carlo Ancelotti came under fire this week in the local press and within the Real Madrid hierarchy, and one of the disappointments in his setup this season has been the use of Bellingham. The England star was used left, deep and right as Ancelotti tried to fit Kylian Mbappe into the team. It didn’t quite work as he only provided 3 assists compared to 12 goals at this stage last season.

Article in Brand explains that Bellingham needs a little more love and appreciation right now. After reports that Bellingham was unhappy with his treatment Around the Ballon d’Or, Ancelotti is said to have spoken to the 21-year-old and told him that he would be used closer to the area from now on. Although he may have to defend the flank, he will attack the middle of the field.

There is no doubt that this was one of Real Madrid’s most effective weapons last season, although it became much less sharp in the second half of the year as Bellingham’s body struggled. Another key feature of their attack was the presence of Joselu Mato – the big goal scorer accounted for more than half of Bellingham’s goals last season and is a figure they don’t have anywhere else in their team.