Carlo Ancelotti responds to criticism of Jude Bellingham's recent form

Carlo Ancelotti has expressed confidence that Jude Bellingham will soon rediscover his scoring touch for Real Madrid.

The sensation from Stourbridge began this season in fine fashion but has seen his electric goalscoring dry up in recent months, netting just three times so far in 2024. Nevertheless, he still sits top of Madrid's scoring charts with 20 strikes to his name.

Bellingham's form ended up under the international spotlight in midweek with an uninspiring performance against Manchester City in the Champions League, but Ancelotti argued the 20-year-old is actually simply a victim of the unsustainable standards he set earlier this season.

«What's dropped off is Bellingham’s goals,» Ancelotti said.

«They were a surprise for everyone, scoring 20 goals. Now he's doing his job. He's an attacking midfielder, a playmaker. He isn't a centre forward. The goals have dropped off a bit, but his performance hasn't.

»I don't think he's lacking anything, just scoring goals. Sooner or later, he'll score again."

Ancelotti also noted that other superstars like Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland failed to set the world alight in the latest round of Champions League action.

«We have to stay calm,» he explained. «Maybe these big stars weren't at their best in the first legs, but there are other games [to come]. Watch out for Haaland, Mbappe and Bellingham.»

Bellingham's first chance to reignite his scoring streak will come on Saturday when Madrid visit to Mallorca, before the second leg against Manchester City on Wednesday.

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