Spanish press turn on ‘shadow of himself’ Jude Bellingham who played in the wrong position for Real loss to Barcelona

JUDE BELLINGHAM was singled out for criticism by the Spanish press following Real Madrid’s humiliating 4-0 defeat at home to Barcelona.

The England star was labelled a “shadow of his former self” after Carlo Ancelotti played him out of position during his first El Clasico beating.

All four of Barcelona’s goals came in the second half, with Robert Lewandowski hitting a brace, before Lamine Yamal and Raphinha added to Real Madrid’s woes.

Bellingham won five of his 11 duels, completed just 13 passes, committed two fouls and spurned a big chance in his 90 minutes, as Kylian Mbappe saw TWO goals ruled out for offside.

But Spanish outlet Marca believe that only one person is to blame for Bellingham’s struggles.

Marca claim Real Madrid boss Ancelotti is at fault for playing Bellingham on the right, and at times in a more defensive role, against Barca. 

Journalist Juan Ignacio Garcia-Ochoa wrote: “Bellingham is a shadow of the player who burst onto the scene last season at the Bernabeu.

“And the fault lies not with him, but with the way he is being managed.

“Every day he plays in a position that is not his and the boy, although he gives his all, does not shine.

“Playing close to the right flank, playing as a full-back for many minutes, is a joke in bad taste that Ancelotti must correct immediately.

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“The fact that a player who last year scored almost twenty goals has not scored any when we are almost in November is something that deserves serious analysis.”

Bellingham, 21, was thriving in his previous free role, where he was often used as the main source of goals.

But this season he’s found himself deeper, often playing from the right or left hand side of midfield.

The change in position has accompanied a new 4-4-2 formation after Madrid signed Mbappe from PSG in the summer.

NBC Sports gave Bellingham a player rating of four for his performance against Barcelona, while Sports Mole rated him a five.

And Madrid fans were even harsher after Saturday’s defeat, with one writing: “Jude Bellingham is better the less you watch him.”

Another said: “Bellingham has mastered the art of looking busy on a football pitch. The casuals love it, the analytics guys love it, I see through it.”

A third wrote: “Bellingham is closer to a Scott McTominay than a Cole Palmer, Pedri or a Musiala.”

Bellingham is still searching for his first goal of the season, after missing the first few weeks of the new term with a muscle injury.

This is a far cry from his debut season at the club, when he scored 23 times in all competitions and landed himself a Ballon d’Or nomination.

Meanwhile, Barca shattered Madrid’s 42-game unbeaten streak and sit six points above Ancelotti’s side at the top.

Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk