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Jude Bellingham has made a remarkable start to his career at Real Madrid, netting 11 goals in 12 appearances and quickly establishing himself as the team’s key player this season.
Despite the immense pressure and expectations that come with playing for Los Blancos, Bellingham has handled his transition to Madrid with composure and hasn’t appeared overwhelmed by the prestigious white shirt.
In fact, it’s during Real’s most challenging moments that the Birmingham City youth product has risen to the occasion, rescuing his team with three late winning goals this season.
At just 20 years old, the English midfielder has displayed a level of maturity that goes beyond his age, surprising even his teammates.
“He’s truly exceptional,” remarked fellow midfielder Federico Valverde in an interview with CNN en Español ahead of Saturday’s El Clásico between Barcelona and Real.
“The reality is that when he joined the team, he demonstrated a level of maturity that sometimes… Well, I’ve personally struggled to navigate various situations because Real Madrid is such a massive institution, and we’re not accustomed to such experiences.”
“He’s performed as if he’s been a part of this team since birth. He has a deep connection to the club, embracing the shirt and its colors. Bellingham is not just a star; he’s a true team player, and that quality sets him apart. His contributions benefit the entire team, which I believe makes him even more extraordinary.”
Valverde believes that Bellingham rightfully deserves all the praise and recognition he’s currently receiving.
But when Real Madrid takes on Barcelona in El Clásico, one of the biggest rivalries in sports, there is never more pressure on a Real Madrid shirt.
Football’s most iconic and notorious events have come from this match, including when a pig’s head was thrown at Luis Figo at Camp Nou and Jose Mourinho poked Barça assistant coach Tito Vilanova in the eye.
Barça and Real Madrid have, for the most part, managed to find ways to win even though they have played considerably below their capabilities for the majority of the season.
Madrid leads La Liga with 25 points heading into the newest installment of this legendary rivalry, tied with Girona for second place and one point behind Barcelona in third.
A victory over the Blaugrana, according to Valverde, would be a “big step” in the La Liga title fight, despite the fact that the season may still be early.
“We know that Barça is the most important team in the fans’ minds,” he continues. “There is undoubtedly pressure because this is one of the most watched football games in the world, with millions of viewers throughout the globe.
The pressure comes from the fact that you are representing Real Madrid in this game. In the end, you train for these kinds of games to defeat major teams like Barcelona, Atleti, and the Champions League. Thus, I believe there will be a good fit. We are eager, thrilled, and well-prepared for it.
“It will be difficult and complex, of course, but we have a great team and we’re working really well together.”
Being a huge sports fan, Valverde compares the significance of El Clásico to the NBA Finals and the Super Bowl.
He claims, “[They] are special matches that are followed around the globe, and I believe that Barcelona vs. Real Madrid is one of the same.” “There is pressure and nerves involved, but it’s always enjoyable to do something you enjoy.”
While Barça’s home stadium is undergoing renovations, Saturday’s match will take place at the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys, also known as Montjuïc. The Camp Nou has hosted many exciting Clásicos.
In addition, Bellingham sustained an injury during the midweek Champions League victory over Sporting Braga, and Barcelona is still unsure about the availability of Robert Lewandowski, Frenkie de Jong, Raphinha, and Pedri.
With the exception of the youthful Spanish midfielder Pedri, all of the injury uncertainties should be well enough to play, though it’s still unclear if they’ll be ready to start.
While Bellingham has clearly emerged as Real Madrid’s new hero, Marc Guiu, a 17-year-old who scored the game-winning goal against Athletic Bilbao last weekend just 23 seconds after his debut, may be Barcelona’s current hero.
El Clásico frequently shapes a player’s career, and this matchup creates an enticing opportunity for the next big thing to make history.
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