Real Madrid had an underwhelming run in the 2024-25 campaign, settling for a second-place finish in La Liga and claiming no major trophies.
Even though they suffered multiple injuries throughout the campaign, Los Blancos' disappointing displays were on the receiving end of criticism as they failed to achieve results despite having a star-studded squad.
One such star, whose contributions on the pitch took a very apparent hit was Jude Bellingham. The 21-year-old arrived at Santiago Bernabeu from Borussia Dortmund in 2023 and turned heads in his debut season for Real Madrid.
Bellingham netted 23 goals and provided 13 assists in 42 appearances across all competitions in the 2023-24 season.
However, things took a turn for the worse for Bellingham in his second season at the Spanish club and now, former Real Madrid star Victor Sanchez del Amo has shared his thoughts on how the Englishman can return to his initial stride in the upcoming season.
What did Victor Sanchez del Amo say about Real Madrid's Jude Bellingham?
Bellingham registered a total of 14 goals and 14 assists in 52 matches in the 2024-25 campaign, which also witnessed the midfielder's change in demeanor on the pitch.
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Sanchez del Amo spoke (comments via GOAL) about the 'change' he saw in Bellingham in the season and told The Sun,
"I really saw a change in Bellingham in his second season. In the first season he was outstanding, playing in his natural position as a midfielder with a free role to move through the central corridor. But last season, he played many times as a left midfielder. He had a different tactical role and he wasn’t happy there."
"Real had lost Toni Kroos and didn’t replace his role in the build-up play. They struggled for balance between defence and attack. Bellingham realised that and tried to help the team by dropping his position, but this was also uncomfortable for him," he continued.
Del Amo also mentioned that Bellingham has a 'huge capacity to score goals,' and added,
"You could see that his body language on the pitch was very different. In the first season he always showed a great fighting spirit, helping his team-mates, supporting everyone and leading on the pitch. But in this second season he had different behaviour. He spent a lot of time complaining, got more cards and picked fights with opponents. I felt he was not happy in his new role — and that showed."
"Last season Real signed Kylian Mbappe but it was difficult to find balance because he and Vini Junior like to occupy the same spaces. They are not natural strikers, so many times Real had nobody in the box. They would get into crossing positions but the box was empty. Bellingham can improve that. He has a huge capacity to score goals," concluded Del Amo.
Real Madrid, under the management of new head coach Xabi Alonso, is currently preparing for their first match of the Club World Cup, against Al-Hilal on June 18.
It remains to be seen where Alonso decides to play Bellingham in his debut match as the manager of Real Madrid.
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