Real Madrid’s latest Galactico signing Jude Bellingham has shaken off his initial injury fears, and now looks set for an earlier debut than expected.
The 20-year-old missed England’s fixtures at the end of the season with injury, and initially, Real Madrid looked set to ease him in halfway through their pre-season tour.
However, the midfielder is reportedly playing without fear of injury, and has also left Real Madrid players and staff stunned with his ability and effort in training so far.
Relevo have reported that Bellingham is now set to make his debut against AC Milan on July 24th, in Real Madrid’s first game of their pre-season tour in the USA.
Los Blancos are also set to face Manchester United, Barcelona and Juventus whilst on tour, as they step up their preparations for the upcoming season.
Where will Bellingham play for Real Madrid?
It has been mooted that Carlo Ancelotti could use pre-season to experiment with a different formation as Real look to find a solution to the departure of Karim Benzema.
Wingers Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo may form a central striking partnership in front of a diamond midfield, and Bellingham could be given a free attacking midfield role at the tip of the diamond.
Bellingham scored 14 and provided seven assists last season, and Ancelotti can utilise his elite ability in the final third to help replace Benzema’s output.
Benzema scored 31 times last season, and the onus will now be on Bellingham, Vinicius and Rodrygo to play in more central attacking zones to help replace his goals.
Despite his young age, Bellingham looks set to be a key midfielder from the very start of his Real Madrid career, and will ultimately be the heir to two club legends in Luka Modric and Toni Kroos, who both extended their contracts for another season.