Warning: Real Madrid's actions are causing harm to Jude Bellingham, and it's essential that we adapt to winning without his presence!
How does Real Madrid manage Bellingham's workload?
Real Madrid is encountering a challenging season due to the absence of their exceptional talent, Jude Bellingham, resulting in the team's struggle to maintain effectiveness in their offensive play.
In American sports leagues, a strategy known as "load management" involves resting star players, as seen with athletes like Giannis Antetokounmpo from the Milwaukee Bucks or Steph Curry from the Golden State Warriors. Despite potential backlash from fans and media, this approach is not commonly embraced in global football. Nonetheless, rest is provided for players, with some stars easily skipping cup matches, especially against lower-tier teams. Top European teams often have substitute lineups when their main stars aren't required.
The predicament concerning when to rest key players remains unclear for league matches against less significant opponents, similar to how Arsenal determines the participation of their star, Saka, or when Barcelona decides to rest Pedri despite being fully fit.
This issue extends to Jude Bellingham at Real Madrid. He has been on the field for nearly every minute this season and continued to play for over an hour despite suffering a shoulder partial dislocation against Rayo Vallecano. While admired for his ability to play through pain, his determination might lead to potential medical repercussions for both himself and the long-term success of the team.
Real Madrid's dependence on Bellingham was evident in their recent 0-0 draw with Rayo Vallecano, highlighting the team's struggle to score goals in his absence.
The statistics reveal Real Madrid's heavy reliance on Bellingham. He has contributed significantly to their goal tally, scoring 13 of their 28 goals, providing four assists, and excelling in various matches. Contrastingly, other stars such as Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo have shown decreased productivity compared to previous seasons.
Coach Carlo Ancelotti faces a challenge in attack, with alternative options like Brahim Diaz and the promising "Turkish Messi" Arda Guler, whose impact remains untested due to limited opportunities.
There are clear warning signs: Bellingham, an integral attacking force for Real Madrid, is crucial for the team's success. However, the failure to manage his workload might prove perilous, as exemplified by Saka's decline in performance at Arsenal due to excessive playing time. Therefore, the team's heavy reliance on Bellingham may pose risks that need addressing.
Understanding When Bellingham Should Rest
Ancelotti has prior experience managing an aging Luka Modric, adapting a principle of considering when to play him and rest him strategically. This approach could be applied to Bellingham, perhaps considering Copa del Rey matches or the final two matches of the Champions League group stage as opportunities for his rest, especially when Real Madrid is likely to secure qualification for the round of 16.
The real challenges lie in matches against lower-ranked teams. Upcoming encounters with Cadiz and Granada, positioned 16th and 19th respectively, may serve as ideal opportunities to rest the young star, Bellingham.
The Consequences of Bellingham's Absence
Bellingham understands the impact of his absence on the team, akin to his period at Borussia Dortmund when playing through injury, and eventually missing matches. His absence can potentially result in points lost, as evidenced by Real Madrid's struggles without him against Rayo Vallecano.
While missing a match or two may prevent injury against less important teams, it could also lead to a loss of points. The recent draw against Rayo highlighted Real Madrid's vulnerability without Bellingham. Surviving and performing well without him will determine the team's overall success in what could be a season of triumph or disappointment.