Real Madrid’s star midfielder Jude Bellingham has opened up about his goal drought this season, vowing to adapt his playing style to better serve the team. The England international, who joined the Spanish giants in a high-profile move last year, has yet to find the back of the net in the 2024-25 campaign, a stark contrast to his impressive tally of 19 league goals in the previous season.
A Change in Role
Speaking after Real Madrid’s resounding 4-0 victory over Osasuna on Saturday, Bellingham attributed his lack of goals to a shift in his responsibilities on the pitch. “I felt like I did what I normally do,” he told Real Madrid TV, “But the only difference is that I managed to add a goal. A lot of people were talking about it because last year I scored loads of goals, but I think I’m playing a different role this year.”
The 20-year-old midfielder elaborated on the adjustments he’s made to his game, stating, “I’m doing different things in different parts of the pitch. It’s one of those things, I’ll do anything for the team. Maybe I’ve done a bit too much and been a little bit too nice. From now on, I think I’ll get a feeling for it, and I’ll try to carry on, but if not, I’ll keep trying to help the team in any way I can.”
Unwavering Support from the Bernabéu Faithful
Despite his goal drought, Bellingham has continued to receive unwavering support from the Real Madrid fans, with the Bernabéu faithful giving him a standing ovation when he was substituted in the 75th minute of Saturday’s match. The young star expressed his gratitude, saying, “I still feel like the most privileged person in the world to play for this club, even in the bad times, I’m still grateful to be here. Coming off with that ovation, I felt really proud. That’s who you do it for. You want people to go home happy. It’s a really good feeling.”
Praise for Vinícius Júnior
Bellingham also took the opportunity to praise teammate Vinícius Júnior, whose hat trick against Osasuna took his tally to eight goals in 12 LaLiga appearances this season. The Brazilian forward narrowly missed out on the Ballon d’Or last week, but Bellingham was quick to highlight his importance to the team, stating, “He has such a strong mentality. We get on well, on and off the pitch. I’m proud of how he conducts himself. He’s a leader for us. When he has those kinds of games, he’s pretty unstoppable.”
Injury Concerns Amid Victory
While Real Madrid celebrated their convincing win over Osasuna, the victory was marred by a string of injuries to key players. Éder Militão, Rodrygo, and Lucas Vázquez all picked up knocks during the match, adding to the club’s growing list of absentees. According to a close source, Militão’s injury appears to be the most serious, with the Brazilian defender potentially facing an extended spell on the sidelines.
Looking Ahead
As Real Madrid continues their pursuit of domestic and European glory, Jude Bellingham’s determination to adapt and contribute to the team’s success will be crucial. With his undeniable talent and the support of the fans and his teammates, the young England star is poised to overcome his goal drought and play a pivotal role in the club’s future triumphs.
The coming weeks will be a true test of Real Madrid’s resilience, as they navigate a challenging fixture list while managing the fitness of their squad. However, with players like Bellingham and Vinícius Júnior leading the charge, the Spanish giants have every reason to believe that they can overcome these obstacles and maintain their position at the pinnacle of European football.
