Bellingham returns to Madrid vindicated and with an ‘MVP’

Jude Bellingham, who has received some criticism this season for a more discreet goal-scoring performance than last season with Real Madrid, took advantage of the two games this month with his national team, England, to vindicate himself. He stood out in the victory against Greece, a sort of redemption for the defeat against the Greeks in the first round, and took home the ‘MVP’ trophy against Ireland with a double of assists.

Last season, Jude Bellingham gave a sweet anomaly: scoring 23 goals and giving 13 assists in 42 games. Real Madrid won the Champions League by taking advantage of the outstanding form of the former Borussia Dortmund player, who justified, in record time, the 103 million euros that the offices of the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium deposited in the coffers of Signal Iduna Park.

During that period, Carlo Ancelotti did not receive a top-level striker to fill the void left by Karim Benzema when he signed for Al Ittihad, so he drew a diamond in his midfield with the Englishman playing as a striker on numerous occasions. Thanks to how well he adapted to this role, he became one of the references for finishing in the dressing room, which, combined with a groundbreaking Vinicius Junior or a legendary Toni Kroos, generated a hugely successful campaign.

This season, with Kylian Mbappé in the Whites’ ranks, the Stourbridge native has had to acclimatise to a more traditional position compared to his past, which has reduced his scoring rate, although this is also the result of a disappointing 24-25 start for the ‘merengues’ in general. That is why, during this international break, it has been key that he has vindicated himself before Thomas Tuchel took over at the ‘three lions’.

In the match against Greece in the 5th round of the UEFA Nations League, he hit the post twice and played 98 quality minutes to help his team to a 0-3 victory. It was a kind of because, a month earlier, the Greeks had defeated the British at Wembley – curiously, with a goal by Bellingham. A few days later, against Ireland, he celebrated a double of assists and collected the ‘MVP’ award, so he returns to Spain full of morale.

There is something that Jude Bellingham did for England vs. Ireland that could leave Phil Foden with a red face

Manchester City player Phil Foden is one of many who didn’t go on international service.

But Foden would have been happy to see England the Republic of Ireland 5-0 in their most recent UEFA Nations League match.

Wayne Rooney, Anthony Gordon, Conor Gallagher, Jarrod Bowen, and Taylor Harwood-Bellis all scored goals to help Lee Carsley’s team easily the Irish.

English Greece 3-0, and Kyle Walker, captain of Manchester City, kept his spot in the team.

Lewis Hall took over at left back for Rico Lewis, who was given a break.

During the March international break, Foden is likely to be sent back to play for England.

Why Bellingham’s two goals against Ireland might make Foden look bad

When the international break comes around, the 24-year-old will be even more ready because Thomas Tuchel will be in charge.

The player from Stockport will try to make an impression on the German and become an important part of his team.

While England played Ireland, Jude Bellingham set up two goals for Bowen and Harwood-Bellis, which is more than Foden has done in two years (one).

People have often said bad things about the triple winner when he’s wearing a Three Lions shirt.

In October, Jamie Carragher said that Cole Palmer should start at number 10 for England instead of Foden.

He also said Foden should be dropped after England’s 1-1 draw with Denmark at Euro 2024.