JUDE BELLINGHAM has “declined” following Kylian Mbappe’s arrival at Real Madrid, according to a Spanish media outlet.
The 21-year-old enjoyed an outstanding debut season at Real Madrid, winning both the Champions League and LaLiga.
He managed 36 goal involvements in 42 appearances for Los Blancos, making him one of the club’s most influential players.
But Spanish outlet AS claims Bellingham has suffered a “decline” this term.
The midfielder has managed just two assists in seven games since the start of the campaign.
He is yet to score.
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Last season, he scored six goals and assisted two in his first seven matches.
With former Paris Saint-Germain striker Mbappe having joined Real Madrid in a huge free transfer this summer, Bellingham’s role in Carlo Ancelotti’s squad has changed.
The England star now plays in a slightly deeper position, meaning his attacking impact is limited.
But AS suggests it has negatively affected his game.
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A recent article from the popular Spanish publication read: “In Bellingham’s case, the decline is much more palpable: he has only two assists, without goals, in seven games played.
“Last season, after seven games, he had scored six goals. These figures should not be compared coldly, because his role now, since the arrival of Mbappe, is very different, but the Englishman is still looking for his best version as a midfielder.”
Real Madrid suffered a shock 1-0 defeat to Lille on Wednesday.
New signing Mbappe started the match on the bench and was introduced in the second half.
However, he failed to make an impact.
At full-time, manager Ancelotti said: “It was complicated, it was not our best game and we have to clean our heads.
“It seemed that we were improving, but we took a step back with this match.
“Lille have been better than us. We could use a stroke of attention and a little criticism.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
