Real Madrid are now getting back into the swing of things. After a disappointing start to La Liga, they have won their last two league matches, with Kylian Mbappe getting off the mark and Jude Bellingham returning from injury.
However, Real Madrid now find themselves with ground to catch up on. While they were hitting the snooze button on the new season, Barcelona got off to a flying start and they currently sit top of the table. Real Madrid are third, behind Atletico Madrid and Barcelona.
Carlo Ancelotti has addressed the need to strike the right balance in the Real Madrid squad. However, a club legend has hinted that trying to play both Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappe could exacerbate that problem.
Real Madrid legend addresses Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham problem
According to former Real Madrid striker Michael Owen, there could become a problem by starting both Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham. However, the way to address this problem is by deploying Jude Bellingham in a new, deeper role.
In his own words (via FourFourTwo), Michael Owen said: “The arrival of Mbappe means Jude might have to give way a bit and play in a role that he hasn’t been used to playing since he joined Real Madrid,”
Owen then continued: “I think he’ll be more box-to-box now – more of a midfielder. His numbers in terms of goals and assists will suffer, but the team might be better for it overall.”
Look, this isn’t a new suggestion. It’s something which has been suggested to Carlo Ancelotti many times before. However, the more that weeks progress, the more that Ancelotti must be thinking the same.
Florentino Perez would not like for any of the star players to be dropped and admittedly, this is the last thing on Carlo Ancelotti’s mind. However, to strike the right balance, Bellingham may have to sacrifice some of his attacking numbers.
He has played a deeper-lying role before, most notably with Borussia Dortmund. He still had a terrific impact in this role but he won’t receive even half of the plaudits he receives in his traditional advanced role which he played for Real Madrid last season.
So, it will be a test for the youngster’s ego, if Ancelotti wishes to play him in a deeper role. However, the Englishman has already said openly that he will play in any role Ancelotti wants him in.
