Jude Bellingham's Shocking Decline: Is Kylian Mbappe the Reason?

PETE JENSON IN MADRID: When Jude Bellingham beat Cristiano Ronaldo's goals record at the start of last season for Real Madrid, he wasn't the only one getting the credit. The England midfielder's impressive beginning to life in Spain had football fans around the world singing his praises. However, fast-forward a few months and the goals have suddenly dried up. What could be the reason behind this dramatic slump in form?

The answer may lie in the arrival of Kylian Mbappe. The French forward's introduction to the team marked a significant change in dynamics, both on and off the pitch. Mbappe's electric pace and clinical finishing brought an added dimension to Real Madrid's attack, but may also have inadvertently contributed to Bellingham's goal drought.

The initial impact of Mbappe's arrival saw Real Madrid shift to a more fluid formation, allowing the Frenchman to exploit the opposition's defense with his lightning-quick runs. Bellingham, who had previously operated as a key goal-scorer, found himself pushed further back into midfield, often required to provide cover and support for the Mbappe-led attack. This tactical adjustment, although beneficial to the team as a whole, has undoubtedly limited Bellingham's goal-scoring opportunities.

Real Madrid's midfield has become increasingly congested, with the likes of Luka Modric, Eduardo Camavinga, and Aurelien Tchouameni vying for places alongside Bellingham. With Mbappe up front, the attacking emphasis has shifted to delivering crosses and passes into the box, overrunning the opponents' defense with sheer pace. Although Bellingham has excelled in his new, deeper role, his lack of involvement in the attacking third has certainly diminished his goal-scoring chances.

Despite the adversity, Bellingham remains an integral part of the team. His tenacity, creativity, and exceptional passing range continue to be valuable assets for Real Madrid. However, if he wants to regain his goal-scoring touch, he'll need to find a way to re-establish himself in the attacking mix, potentially even experimenting with different positions or roles.

The challenge for Bellingham is not insurmountable, but will undoubtedly require patience, hard work, and adaptability. Can he overcome the stiff competition and win his spot back in the starting lineup, or will the arrival of Kylian Mbappe prove a defining moment in his progression as a world-class midfielder?