Jude Bellingham delivering a thinly veiled tackle to Kylian Mbappé and Lionel Messi is unexpected. The Real Madrid midfielder alluded to both players in a surprising manner.
Jude Bellingham discussed the fact that many players walk on the field, referring to the two attackers. However, concerning Lionel Messi in particular, it is a genuine strategic approach. In the era of “heavy-metal football” advocated by coaches like Carlo Ancelotti and Jürgen Klopp, among others, statistics may not favor Messi or Kylian.
The Messi and Mbappé game discussed by Jude Bellingham
When they were paired at PSG, the team’s attitude still plagued PSG, which was already its main flaw before the arrival of “La Pulga.” The defensive system, often observed during Parisian matches in 2021, was even more problematic as it contradicted the needs of a team aspiring to the final triumph in the Champions League. “Stars must run like any other player, or else the team cannot cope,” as Pep Guardiola already explained in 2019.
However, in Paris, everyone had anticipated Lionel Messi’s attitude, which had long been a strength. Messi walking is Messi thinking. He chooses intensity and takes a step back to analyze the opposing forces. As Guardiola explained in the Amazon documentary “This Is Football,” “Messi observes, walks, thinks, and anticipates. He doesn’t run but constantly assesses the situation, sensing the weaknesses of the opposing defense.”
In other words, Messi adapts and, like a predator, waits for the opportune moment to attack. The Messi cheetah thus saves the necessary energy upstream. This attitude had been highlighted by José Mendilibar, Eibar’s coach in 2020, when talking about Messi who “rests during matches,” knowing when to participate and when to rest. He had demonstrated it with a hat-trick after a rest. Jude Bellingham seems to be against this way of doing things.
Jude Bellingham, the tackle against those who don’t run
Since his arrival at Real Madrid and due to his exceptional performances, Jude Bellingham has been propelled to the status of a global football star. An enviable status that puts him in the spotlight, especially for his statements.
His recent declaration about Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé is likely to spark discussions. Indeed, Bellingham was recently a guest on CBS, where the conversation focused on selecting players for the TOTY (Team Of The Year) in the EA FC 24 game.
Jamie Carragher, a CBS consultant, formed a team with an attacking trio of Mbappé, Kane, and Messi. Bellingham did not hesitate to question this choice. “I don’t think there’s enough energy in that,” the English midfielder said, adding that there are “a lot of players who walk.” Even though Carragher tried to defend him by encouraging Bellingham to race against Mbappé.
Looking forward to the Jude Bellingham – Kylian Mbappé encounter
With these statements from Jude Bellingham, one can already imagine the encounter between him and his likely future teammate, Kylian Mbappé. According to recent reports, the English midfielder may even delay Kyky’s arrival at Real Madrid.
In a recent column for AS, journalist Fred Hermel revealed that Real Madrid had already found its star, explaining the endless wait around Kylian Mbappé. He emphasizes that something grand has happened in the last three months, surprising even the most optimistic in Madrid. A new sensation that Mbappé did not expect, according to Hermel.
The journalist claims that Jude Bellingham, an emerging genius, has captivated the hearts of Merengue supporters and instantly become the best player in Spanish, or even European, football. With five years less than the Frenchman, Bellingham represents the future, highlighting, according to Hermel, Mbappé’s procrastination. According to the French journalist, Mbappé’s indecision is costing him, while Real Madrid has already found in Bellingham a promising and impactful player.
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