Jude Bellingham faces damning six-word dig as Spanish press calls it 'a joke'

Jude Bellingham was once again criticized by the Spanish press following Real Madrid's embarrassing 4-0 defeat to Barcelona on Saturday, with the English talent branded a “shadow of his former self”.

Despite being one of Madrid's most highly regarded players, Bellingham is suffering a dip in form compared to the previous top-flight season under Carlo Ancelotti. With just one assist to his name and no goals scored in seven La Liga matches this season, his performances are under the spotlight.

The young star struggled to make an impact as Madrid were crushed by their main rivals. Lamine Yamal, Raphinha and Robert Lewandowski, who scored twice, made the evening miserable for the Bernabeu hosts.

Bellingham played the full 90 last night, but couldn't make an impact on Real's game. And Marca took the opportunity to question Ancelotti, accusing him of not using the England international in his best position just behind the striker.

Bellingham has played on the right wing at times this season, and journalist Juan Ignacio Garcia-Ochoa of Marca called Ancelotti's management of Bellingham a “distasteful joke”.

He said: “Bellingham is a shadow of the player who burst onto the scene at the Bernabeu last season. And the fault is not with him, but with the way he is managed.

“Every day he plays in a position that is not his and the boy, even if he gives everything, does not shine. Playing near the right flank, playing as a full-back for many minutes, is a bad joke taste which Ancelotti must correct immediately.

“The fact that a player who scored 20 goals last year has not scored any when we are almost in November is something that deserves serious analysis.”

Marca praised Yamal after the full-time whistle, dubbing him 'the chosen one'.

Bellingham won praise from the Spanish press in his debut season, having scored 23 goals in 42 outings in all competitions during his triumphant La Liga and Champions League campaigns.

The former Borussia Dortmund star – who joined Madrid for around £100million last summer – extended his brilliant form into Euro 2024 with England, striking twice and providing two more assists , essential to lead the Three Lions to the final. .

Despite a dip in form this campaign, Ancelotti defended Bellingham ahead of the Barcelona clash, expressing satisfaction with the youngster's development.

He said: “He is doing very well, he is progressing, he had problems with his ankle and his shoulder, but his condition is good. He is contributing with his work, which is very important for us.

“Last year it was crucial that he scored goals because we lost an important striker like Benzema. We don't have that problem this year because we have a player who can score 45 goals.”