Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham has once again found himself at the centre of intense scrutiny from the Spanish press, following his team's disappointing 4-2 defeat against Benfica in the Champions League on Wednesday. The loss has plunged the Spanish giants into the play-off stages, prompting a wave of analysis and criticism directed at key players.
Scathing Assessment from Marca Newspaper
In a particularly withering assessment published by Madrid-based newspaper Marca, the English international was accused of 'lacking creativity, physicality, and dynamism' during the crucial European fixture. The article suggested that both Bellingham and teammate Vinicius Junior failed to 'seem capable of taking the reins' during high-pressure moments at the Estadio da Luz.
The publication elaborated further, stating: 'Bellingham chased shadows at Da Luz. Lacking creativity, physicality, and the dynamism that made him an instant idol upon his arrival, the young man who dazzled the Bernabeu with his boundless hunger now seems diluted in a role that doesn't suit him, that diminishes his presence.'
Manager's Glowing Defence
This criticism comes in stark contrast to the glowing tribute paid by Bellingham's manager, Alvaro Arbeloa, who spoke publicly about the player just days before the Champions League fixture. Arbeloa expressed his complete satisfaction with the 22-year-old's attitude and work ethic, highlighting qualities that extend far beyond technical ability.
'I've seen a player with exceptional quality and abilities,' Arbeloa stated on Tuesday. 'Anyone who's seen him on television knows it, but when you're up close, it's even more surprising. Beyond his football quality, I've seen a player who wants to be a leader, a role model.'
The manager provided a revealing anecdote about Bellingham's dedication: 'The other day, 48 hours after a game, I told him - and I never, ever say this - "stop running." The performance he's giving in training, his commitment and his leadership... I'm very proud of having a player like Jude Bellingham.'
Recent Controversies and Positional Changes
This latest media criticism follows reports from Spanish radio station Cadena SER that Bellingham was among five Real Madrid stars recently summoned for talks with club president Florentino Perez regarding perceived 'attitude' problems. However, Arbeloa's comments directly contradict this narrative, instead emphasising the midfielder's exemplary professionalism.
Bellingham has responded to off-field speculation with characteristic defiance. After scoring his first goal of 2026 in Madrid's 6-1 demolition of Monaco last week, he celebrated by pretending to drink, mocking suggestions that he has been distracted by a party lifestyle.
'There's two ways you can take it: you can cry about it and moan, or send a lawyer, or you can just roll with it and enjoy it,' Bellingham told TNT Sports. 'I know the truth, I know what really goes on in my personal life, I know what I give to the game and the team. All the outside noise doesn't really matter.'
Tactically, Bellingham has been deployed in a deeper midfield role this season, partly due to Kylian Mbappe's consistent goalscoring reducing the need for the former Birmingham and Borussia Dortmund star to make frequent attacking runs into the penalty area. Despite this positional adjustment, he has contributed six goals and four assists across all competitions during the current campaign.
Statistical Performance and Future Prospects
Arbeloa remains thoroughly convinced of Bellingham's long-term importance to the club, stating: 'On the pitch, he's capable of doing so many things well. He's a player who makes runs into space, gets into the box, has a good shot, he reads the game. He's young, but he has a lot of experience. And he's going to be the cornerstone of this Real Madrid for many years.'
The manager's confidence is reflected in team selection, with Bellingham having started all but one match over the past three months. This consistent inclusion demonstrates the coaching staff's faith in his abilities, despite the fluctuating opinions expressed in sections of the media.
The contrasting narratives surrounding Bellingham highlight the intense scrutiny faced by high-profile players at elite European clubs. While Spanish journalists question his recent performances, his manager provides unequivocal support, creating a complex picture of a talented young footballer navigating the pressures of top-level competition.
