he unfolding drama around Mbappé shouldn’t obscure the rising talent that is Jude Bellingham, a player whose style and agility often mirror Zinedine Zidane’s. Having given an impressive performance in his debut match against Milan, it took him only five minutes against Manchester United to honor the iconic number ‘5’ jersey that the French legend made famous. Bellingham converted a long pass from Rüdiger into a sublime display of skill, expertly controlling the ball with his left foot before elegantly lifting it over Onana with his right. His performances have left no room for doubt; Bellingham is quickly finding his footing at Real Madrid.
Before the intense focus on Mbappé began, it was Bellingham who was the European football season’s star recruit. His style of play exudes a celestial quality, and his youthful vigor brings a refreshing dynamism to the team. Bellingham, at just 19, adds a rarely seen energetic flair to Ancelotti’s team. He defies the stereotypical image of the delicate midfielder and instead embodies a relentless force of energy that has flawlessly integrated into the already formidable team.
Carlo Ancelotti’s iteration of Real Madrid 3.0 looks incredibly promising as he seems to be adeptly managing the system transition. The team was resolute against Manchester United, showcasing a solid defense and a relentless attack with Tchouaméni, Camavinga, Bellingham, and Modric at the helm of midfield. They demonstrated perfect control over every aspect of the game, fluidly shifting between combination play and direct football. Their performance effectively rendered United, including former players Varane and Casemiro, helpless, exhibiting a more physically aggressive team. Their passionate approach to the preseason friendly signals a revival of hunger in the dressing room.
The match against Manchester United was nothing short of a positive experience for Real Madrid. Their extensive player bench, boasting an unparalleled array of midfielders, continues to impress. The likes of Modric and Kroos remain unfalteringly efficient, while Camavinga, Tchoauméni, Bellingham, and Valverde infuse the team with a pace more akin to the Premier League. Moreover, the defense has been strengthened with the addition of Fran García, whose physicality rivals Gareth Bale in his early days as a left-back.
In addition, Brahim, who has bulked up over the last two years in Milan, has returned. While he might not yet match Asensio’s scoring prowess, he makes up for it with his incisive forward play, an attribute Marco lost following his injury. Ancelotti is effectively deploying him as a second forward, opening up more opportunities for him to contribute significantly this season. Regardless of whether they secure Mbappé, Real Madrid’s market strategy is evidently effective.