Three major factors behind Jude Bellingham’s reduced impact for Real Madrid this season | OneFootball

Jude Bellingham was one of the standout players for Real Madrid last season, delivering performances that made him one of the most important players in the squad.

However, this season, things have not been the same for the English midfielder. His influence on the pitch has diminished, and he has not been as decisive as he was in his debut campaign.

A key concern is that Bellingham does not seem as comfortable on the field as he once was. His ability to control games, make decisive runs, and impact the final third has declined.

While goals are not the only metric to judge his form, they do highlight a significant difference between this season and the previous one.

In his first year at Real Madrid, he managed to score 23 goals across all competitions, playing a crucial role in securing three major trophies for the club.

This season, however, he has found the back of the net just 11 times, a noticeable drop from his previous numbers.

All this forces us to ask – Why has Bellingham’s performance declined?

Change in position

Jude Bellingham is spending less time in opposition box. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)

One of the biggest reasons for Bellingham’s dip in form is the tactical shift in his positioning.

Last season, due to the lack of a natural centre-forward, he was frequently deployed as a false nine, which allowed him to get into dangerous goal-scoring positions.

His late runs into the box and ability to finish chances made him a constant goal threat. However, with the arrival of Kylian Mbappe, his role on the pitch has changed.

He now operates in a deeper midfield position, which is more familiar to him but also keeps him away from the attacking areas where he was so effective.

This season, it is clear that he is spending much less time inside the penalty area. This change has naturally led to a reduction in his goal-scoring opportunities, making it harder for him to replicate his incredible numbers.

A season disrupted by suspensions

Bellingham has been marred by suspensions. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)

Another factor that has contributed to Bellingham’s inconsistent performances is the number of games he has missed due to suspensions. The start of 2025 has been far from smooth for the Englishman.

In the 20 matches played this year, he has only managed to score four goals, a drastic drop from his previous output.

His absence from crucial matches has also disrupted his rhythm. On 15 February, during a match against Osasuna, he was sent off for making an offensive remark towards the referee.

This led to a two-match suspension, forcing him to miss important league fixtures. Additionally, in the Champions League, he received a yellow card against Manchester City, which ruled him out of the first leg against Atletico Madrid.

These absences have prevented him from maintaining consistent momentum, which has had an impact on his overall form and confidence on the pitch.

Lack of chemistry between Vinicius and Mbappe

Lack of chemistry between Mbappe and Vinicius is hurting Bellingham. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

Beyond his own struggles, another issue affecting Bellingham’s game is the apparent lack of chemistry between Vinicius Jr. and Mbappe.

The two star forwards have yet to develop a strong understanding on the pitch, which has negatively impacted the fluidity of Real Madrid’s attack.

There have been several instances where both players have opted for individual plays rather than linking up effectively, leading to wasted chances and a less cohesive attacking system.

Last season, Bellingham had more freedom to operate behind the forwards, as Vinicius was his main attacking partner.

However, with Mbappe now occupying a central role and Rodrygo establishing himself as a regular starter, the dynamic has changed significantly.

Bellingham has had to drop even deeper to avoid overcrowding the final third. This tactical adjustment has made it harder for him to have the same attacking influence he once did.

Despite the struggles, it would be premature to say that Bellingham’s best days at Real Madrid are behind him.

He remains an exceptional talent with the ability to dominate games. However, his performance will depend on how well he adapts to his new role in the team.