Returning from injury, Jude Bellingham faces a critical El Clásico as he looks to reclaim his best form for a thriving Real Madrid side under Xabi Alonso.
The impending El Clásico between Real Madrid and Barcelona is being framed by GOAL as a decisive opportunity for Jude Bellingham to solidify his standing as La Liga’s top English export over the resurgent Marcus Rashford.
The report notes that while Bellingham made his mark in previous Clásicos, scoring decisive goals, his recent general play has been lacking.
A specific moment in a recent loss, where Bellingham was dispossessed, complained to the referee, and watched his opponent score, was cited as summing up his emotional and below-par performance.
The pressure mounts for Bellingham as Rashford, currently on loan at Barcelona, has found “immaculate form,” thriving alongside new teammates like Lamine Yamal.
This has created a compelling subplot where Bellingham must prove he, and not the revitalised ex-Manchester United forward, is currently the league’s most influential English dog.
The report states the question now falls to Bellingham, who has to go from doing funny drills to asserting himself on the kind of game he loves.
While no direct quotes from Bellingham or Rashford regarding this specific rivalry were provided in the article summary, the core sentiment is clear: Bellingham needs this fixture to remind everyone exactly how good he is and to defend his title as the star Englishman in Spain.