Explained: Why Jude Bellingham’s ‘level has dropped’ at Real Madrid as Julio Baptista picks out ‘best’ position for 20-goal England superstar

Maintaining the standards set through the early months of his time at Santiago Bernabeu was always going to be difficult, with the 20-year-old midfielder bursting out of the blocks. Bellingham’s efforts landed him Kopa Trophy and Golden Boy award recognition, while regularly being compared to legendary figures from Real’s glittering past – such as Luis Figo and Zinedine Zidane.

Bellingham has slowed down of late, registering just three goals through his last 15 appearances, with former Blancos star Julio Baptista telling the Daily Mail of that slight dip: “I think he has adapted very well and he had an extraordinary start to his career at Madrid. Perhaps his level has dropped a little over the last month or so but maybe that is just the accumulation of games he has played. He has played a lot of minutes and sometimes players start to feel that in the legs, they are only human.”

Madrid have given Bellingham the freedom to flourish in Spanish football, with Baptista adding on the position that plays to his strengths: “I see him playing behind a striker or playing behind two strikers. I think that is where you will get the best out of him.”

Bellingham has helped Real to the top of the Spanish league table and semi-finals of the Champions League – where he will be lining up against England team-mate Harry Kane. He also has a European Championship trophy quest with the Three Lions to come this summer.