Jude Bellingham’s Midfield Dominance

At 84 minutes on the pitch, Jude Bellingham once again proved why he’s one of the most exciting young midfielders in the game today. Let’s break down his performance against Al-Hilal with the cold, hard numbers that tell the real story.

The Basics: Touch and Go

50 touches might not sound like much for a midfielder, but when you consider Real Madrid’s controlled possession style (they averaged 62% possession), it shows how efficiently Bellingham was involved in play. What’s more impressive? A 91% pass completion rate from 35 attempts - including one key pass that could have led to a goal.

Ground Game Strong

The Englishman engaged in 7 ground duels, winning 3. While that 43% success rate might seem modest, context is key. Playing against Al-Hilal’s compact midfield block, these were often high-intensity battles in dangerous areas. His 2 tackles and 1 interception demonstrate his growing defensive awareness - something we’ve seen improve dramatically since his Dortmund days.

Room for Improvement?

Lost possession 9 times? Before you panic, remember this is normal for a player who constantly takes risks in advanced positions. The two fouls committed show he’s still adapting to when to engage physically. But that one clearance? Textbook defensive positioning from a player who’s rapidly becoming complete.

Tactical Implications

Bellingham’s heat map would show him everywhere from defensive third to opposition box - the modern box-to-box role personified. Carlo Ancelotti seems to be giving him more positional freedom than at Dortmund, and it’s paying dividends. Watch for this versatility to be key as Madrid chase multiple trophies this season.