Jude Bellingham said his renewed enjoyment of football has helped drive his excellent form for Real Madrid after he scored and played a key role in their 4-0 victory over Malaga in La Liga.
The England midfielder has returned to a more attack-minded role this season and underlined his influence again with an outstanding opening goal against Malaga. He then contributed to Real Madrid’s second when he headed a cross towards goal, with goalkeeper Alfonso Herrero turning the ball into his own net.
Bellingham was given a warm ovation by the Santiago Bernabeu crowd when he left the pitch. Speaking in comments reported by Marca, he thanked the supporters and explained the change that has helped him rediscover his best form.
“I feel more freedom now, as I have the freedom to get back and play in an advanced or deeper position as needed. I really enjoy playing, and that is the secret to my good performances,” he said.
The 22-year-old added: “It is a great honour to play for this club, in this stadium, and with these fans. The applause was wonderful.”
Despite his goal and Real Madrid’s emphatic result, Bellingham was not entirely satisfied with the performance. He was particularly critical of the closing stages, when he felt the team’s level dropped significantly.
“It was a great match, but the last 20 minutes were very bad. I do not know why, but it was not good,” Bellingham said.
Asked whether changes to the starting line-up had affected the team, he pointed to the strength available in the squad and the readiness of players who had not featured in the previous match.
“Do changes to the line-up make a difference? We have a very strong team, a great team with quality in every position. When the manager wants to make changes, the players who did not play in the previous game are fully ready,” he said.
Bellingham’s form has been a major feature of Real Madrid’s strong start to the season. Operating alongside Vinicius and Kylian Mbappe, he has added energy and an attacking threat that has helped push the team forward.
Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho had praised the midfielder’s qualities before the Malaga match, highlighting the wide range of skills he brings to the side.
“He is a unique player and extremely important for the team. He has different talents, from the physical to the mental and tactical. He is also capable of winning the ball back, pressing effectively and scoring goals, especially with headers. He is an amazing player in every sense,” Mourinho said.
Bellingham’s display against Malaga continued his influential contribution at both ends of the pitch, although his comments afterwards made clear that Real Madrid still have areas to improve despite their commanding win.
