Jude Bellingham subject of damning six-word dig as Spanish press call out Real 'joke'

Jude Bellingham has come under fire again from the Spanish press after Real Madrid’s embarrassing 4-0 defeat to Barcelona on Saturday, with the English talent being labelled “a shadow of his former self”.

Despite being one of Madrid’s most valued players, Bellingham is suffering a drop in form compared to the previous high-flying season under Carlo Ancelotti. With only a single assist to his name and no goals scored across seven La Liga outings this term, his performances have come under the spotlight.

The young star struggled to make an impact as Madrid were crushed by their arch rivals. Lamine Yamal, Raphinha, and Robert Lewandowski, who netted twice, made it a miserable night for the hosts at the Bernabeu.

Bellingham played the full 90 last night, but couldn’t impact the game for Real. And Marca took the opportunity to question Ancelotti, criticising him for not utilising the England international in his best position just behind the striker.

Bellingham has played on the right wing at times this season, and reporter Juan Ignacio Garcia-Ochoa from Marca called out Ancelotti’s handling of Bellingham as a “joke in bad taste”.

He said: “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.

“The fact that a player who last year scored 20 goals has not scored any when we are almost in November is something that deserves serious analysis.”

Marca did hail Yamal following the full-time whistle, dubbing him “the chosen one”.

Bellingham was lauded by Spanish press in his debut season, having bagged 23 goals from 42 outings across all competitions during their triumphant La Liga and Champions League campaigns.

The ex-Borussia Dortmund star – who made the switch to Madrid for around £100m last summer – extended his brilliant form into Euro 2024 with England, striking twice and laying on another two assists, which were vital in carrying the Three Lions to the final.

Despite a dip in form this campaign, Ancelotti defended Bellingham prior to the clash against Barcelona, expressing contentment over the youngster’s development.

He said: “He’s doing very well, he’s progressing, he’s had problems with his ankle and shoulder, but his condition is good. He is contributing with work, which is very important for us.

“Last year it was crucial that he scored goals because we had lost an important striker like Benzema. We don’t have that problem this year because we have a player who can score 45 goals.”