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Getty/GOALJude Bellingham defends his Real Madrid goal record since changing position after Kylian Mbappe's arrival and praises 'electric and creative' Vinicius Jr amid tough season for Brazil star
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Those that sign up for ExpressVPN's top-tier Express Pro plan gain access to a high-speed VPN, which offers high-capacity 40Gbps servers in many high-demand locations, with VPN servers in 113 countries worldwide.
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Additionally, ExpressVPN's Basic plan includes the ExpressMailGuard, which offers a 10MB/month private email relay plus 10 shared aliases.
There is a 30-day money-back guarantee for new users. The plan is available on a one-month rolling contract, although those that sign up for a 12-month plan (offering one year plus an extra three months) can save more than 60%, while those that sign up for a two-year plan (offering two years plus an extra four months) can save 80%.
Over 28 monthsSave 80%
Advanced protection across 11 devices with high-speed VPN
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Those that sign up for ExpressVPN's most popular plan, the Advance plan, gain access to a high-speed VPN, which offers high-capacity 40Gbps servers in many high-demand locations, with VPN servers in 113 countries worldwide.
The VPN can be applied across 12 different devices simultaneously, and offers Advanced Protection that blocks ads, trackers and malicious and adult websites. A dedicated IP is available to be purchased as an add-on.
Additionally, ExpressVPN's Advanced plan includes the ExpressMailGuard, which offers a 100MB/month private email relay plus 50 shared aliases and a custom domain, and ExpressKeys, which gives users a password management facility for an unlimited number of passwords plus a 2FA authenticator.
There is a 30-day money-back guarantee for new users. The plan is available on a one-month rolling contract, although those that sign up for a 12-month plan (offering one year plus an extra three months) can save more than 60%, while those that sign up for a two-year plan (offering two years plus an extra four months) can save 73%. Both longer-term plans include a 3GB holiday.com eSIM that is valid for three days in 150+ destinations.
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Getty Images SportThe Mbappe effect on Bellingham
However, the landscape of the Real Madrid attack shifted seismically with the arrival of Mbappe in the summer of 2024. The signing of the French superstar brought a guaranteed 40-goal-a-season striker to the club, but it also necessitated a fundamental restructuring of the team’s mechanics.
While Mbappe has excelled, instantly becoming the focal point of the attack and delivering the devastating numbers expected of a 'Galactico', Bellingham’s statistical output has naturally receded. No longer the primary target for crosses or the man tasked with breaking the defensive line, the 22-year-old has been redeployed into the engine room. The drop-off in his raw goal data - he ended last season with 15 goals and has five to his name so far this term - has led to scrutiny in the Spanish press this season, with critics questioning whether his influence has waned in the shadow of the Frenchman.
Bellingham, however, rejects this narrative entirely. Speaking to the media, he insisted that the recalibration of his role was a logical and necessary step to maximise Mbappe’s talents.
“It has been an easy change,” Bellingham explained. “In my first season here I lived very close to the rival box and scored quite a few goals, but after the arrival of Mbappe, we have a natural striker who scores 40 goals per season and it is no longer necessary for me to be so far forward.”
The midfielder was keen to point out that while he may not be chasing the Pichichi trophy anymore, he is far from a passenger in the final third. He referenced his return from the 2024/25 campaign - his first alongside Mbappe - as evidence that he remains a potent threat even when starting his runs from deep.
“Every season I am going to contribute my goals, I have that arrival,” he stated. “I scored 15 playing further back, which is not bad at all. This year I am playing further back and I influence the play more. It is a different role but goals have never been the most important thing for me.”
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Getty Images SportSeeing the bigger picture
For Bellingham, the value of Vinicius cannot be captured solely in a spreadsheet. The chaos the Brazilian creates on the left flank is often the catalyst for Mbappe’s goals, destabilising defences and opening spaces centrally.
“Goals don't count the whole truth,” Bellingham argued. “There are assists and important plays. We have to see him as a very useful teammate. I am sure he will be his old self again.”
Having missed out on major silverware last season, the pressure is on Madrid to thrive under new coach Alonso. However, they currently trail Barcelona by four points in La Liga.
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