Spanish press slam Jude Bellingham for his role in Real Madrid's humiliating 4-0 loss to Barcelona as one key reason explains why the England star is suffering since Kylian Mbappe's arrival

On October 27, 2024, Jude Bellingham's challenging start to his second season with Real Madrid was underscored by a severe 4-0 defeat against FC Barcelona in an El Clasico clash. Following this match at Santiago Bernabeu, Bellingham faced intense scrutiny from the Spanish press after failing to impress alongside his teammates, notably Robert Lewandowski, who led Barcelona’s formidable attacking display. With Bellingham yet to score in 11 matches this season, media outlets noted his lack of effectiveness compared to his previous year's performance where he netted 23 goals. The introduction of Kylian Mbappe into the Real Madrid roster has compelled manager Carlo Ancelotti to adjust Bellingham's role. Rather than playing further upfront, Bellingham has been pushed into a deeper midfield position which demands defensive responsibilities, a shift that has severely limited his involvement in attacking plays. Reports from the weekend’s match highlighted that Bellingham was often positioned on the flank or even at right-back, further complicating his ability to contribute offensively. Despite Ancelotti's defense of Bellingham's overall work rate, fans remain dissatisfied as they question the contributions of both the English star and Mbappe. Critics argue that Bellingham's new role has drastically altered his game, stripping him of the qualities that made him a standout goal scorer. As dissatisfaction brews among supporters about their latest acquisitions’ performances, it remains uncertain how the team will adapt moving forward as they seek to recover from this heavy defeat and reinvigorate Bellingham's form.