'I never see him smile anymore' - Jude Bellingham 'a shadow' of his former self in new Real Madrid setup after 'setting standard so high'

Bellingham took La Liga by storm last season following his summer move from Borussia Dortmund. The England international scored 19 league goals to help fire Los Blancos to the title in Spain and also played a key role in their Champions League win. Much was therefore expected from Bellingham this season, particularly with Real Madrid having strengthened by signing Kylian Mbappe, but the 21-year-old is yet to manage a single goal for Carlo Ancelotti's side in 10 outings during the current campaign.

Bellingham is not the only attacker in the spotlight in the Spanish capital after what's been a difficult week for Ancelotti's side. Mbappe is also yet to consistently impress for Madrid after his move, while fellow attacker Vinicius Jr has been snubbed for the Ballon d'Or and seen Manchester City midfielder Rodri lift the coveted prize instead. Real Madrid's Clasico defeat to Barcelona last time out also means Ancelotti's men have slipped six points behind their bitter rivals and La Liga leaders and have handed the title initiative to Hansi Flick's side in the early weeks of the season.

Petit told Jeffbet: "Jude Bellingham has to play on the right-hand side. I think he's under an enormous amount of pressure because he set his standard so high last season and now he's a shadow of what he could do. Bellingham was amazing last season and always smiling, but I never see him smile now. That's a sign he's probably not enjoying the football like how he used to."

Real Madrid will not be in action at the weekend as their La Liga clash with Valencia has been postponed following the devastating floods in the region. Ancelotti's side will therefore return to action on Tuesday against AC Milan in the Champions League at the Santiago Bernabeu.