Real Madrid boss Xabi Alonso said Jude Bellingham is “one of the most complete players in the world” after the midfielder scored his first goal of the season in a narrow Champions League win over Juventus.
Bellingham has endured a difficult campaign so far, starting just three matches and appearing as a substitute in four more after recovering from a shoulder injury.
The England midfielder had featured for only 10 minutes in Europe this season before Wednesday’s match against Juve and had not scored since the Club World Cup in the summer.
But the 22-year-old was on hand to stab home a rebound after Vinicius Jr showed good feet to drive into the box before his shot struck the post.
“Jude played a really complete game, over and above the goal,” said Alonso. “I really liked how he played against Getafe [on Sunday] and even more so today, plus his goal.
“He’s giving such good sensations with how competitive he is and how he creates dangerous situations. I’m delighted for him.
“He’s got the skill and the instincts to be at the business end of the pitch but he’s a box-to-box player, too. He’s one of the most complete players in the world.”
After a bright start by Juve who forced Real goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois into two early saves, the hosts peppered the visitors’ goal with 14 shots in the first half.
Kylian Mbappe went closest with a fierce attempt which tested goalkeeper Michele Di Gregorio, but neither side could break the deadlock before half-time.
Dusan Vlahovic came close to an opener from a counter-attack before Vinicius’ moment of quality set up Bellingham for what proved to be the winning goal.
It is the first time since August that Mbappe has failed to score.
Had he netted against Juventus he would have stretched his goalscoring streak to 12 consecutive games for club and country, matching Manchester City striker Erling Haaland’s current run.
Fifteen-time winners Real sit fifth in the table with three wins from three while Juventus are 25th and without a win in the competition so far.
Bellingham scores to kick-start campaign
Bellingham has been crucial for Real since joining the club in 2023, scoring 23 goals and providing 13 assists as he helped Los Blancos to win the Champions League and La Liga in his debut season.
His numbers last season – 15 goals and 15 assists in all competitions – were not quite as prolific but he cemented himself as a constant in Real’s midfield and frequently popped up with important late goals.
But this season has been a different story with a turbulent start disrupted by an injury he has been struggling with since 2023, when he dislocated his shoulder in a game against Rayo Vallecano.
Surgery on the long-standing issue meant he missed Real’s pre-season as well as their opening five matches of the campaign before featuring sporadically under Alonso as he returned to fitness.
The midfielder has not been involved in any of Thomas Tuchel’s England squads for their World Cup qualifiers, missing the first camp through injury then the second when the Three Lions boss decided not to call him up, despite the midfielder expressing a desire to be involved.
With the World Cup approaching next year it seems unlikely Bellingham will not be involved – but he will hope to quickly rediscover the form he has enjoyed in his two seasons in Spain.
His goal on Wednesday was not a spectacular one – tapping in a rebound – but it proved to be decisive and could serve to kick-start his season.
Courtois said: “Bellingham and Vinicius produced the magic for the goal. Jude’s getting back to his best, played a top match tonight and I think we were worth another goal overall.”
Real will aim to maintain their 100% Champions League record this season against Liverpool at Anfield on 4 November.
BBC
