Real Madrid's away game against Valencia in the 12th round of the La Liga fixture saw the team display resilience in adversity and highlighted the young talent of Jude Bellingham stepping up in crucial moments. All of this stemmed from Carlo Ancelotti's tactical adjustments.
Bellingham missed a penalty in the 55th minute, hitting the post, which could have been a morale-damaging moment. However, the young player was not deterred by the mistake and instead became more proactive in the subsequent game. He fought fiercely in midfield, completing multiple interceptions in the opponent's half, and his indomitable spirit inspired the entire team, keeping Real Madrid's fighting spirit alive in difficult circumstances.
Bellingham's performance in the final moments of the game was even more impressive. He first assisted Luka Modric in the 85th minute to help the team equalize, then completed a decisive goal during stoppage time. This kind of big-game mentality is reminiscent of former players like Zinedine Zidane and Raul, who also stepped up to carry the team during Real Madrid's toughest times.
In a club like Real Madrid, young players often take a long time to adapt to the pressure, but Bellingham seems naturally suited for it. His every tackle is full of passion, and every pass is full of ideas. On the field, he can both cooperate with his teammates seamlessly and complete attacks on his own. In the game, he was fouled six times by the opponents, showing his threat in attack, and the data of winning 13 out of 20 duels reflects his contribution in defense. Such comprehensive performance makes it undeniable that he is now Real Madrid's most important player, bar none.
After losing to Athletic Bilbao, Ancelotti switched to a 4-2-3-1 formation, which made Real Madrid's attack more flexible and defense more stable. Bellingham was placed in the attacking midfielder position, allowing him to better utilize his strengths, both supporting the forwards and retreating to participate in organization. After this positional adjustment, Bellingham scored four goals and provided two assists in six games, proving that this decision was correct.
Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior's speed on the flanks was also better utilized due to Bellingham's presence in the center, creating more space for their breakthroughs. The midfield duo of Toni Kroos and Luka Modric also had less pressure, enabling them to focus more on organizing attacks and controlling the tempo.
The defensive performance was equally satisfying, with the team conceding only four goals in these six games, significantly improving defensive efficiency. This tactical change not only brought about a record of five wins and one draw but also helped the team find its most suitable playing style.
Ancelotti used his coaching experience to once again prove himself as a coach capable of formulating tactics based on the characteristics of his players. Vinicius was sent off in the 79th minute for pushing down the opposing goalkeeper, and this impulsive behavior almost cost the team victory. As a top player, he needs to learn to stay calm under pressure and not let the provocation of opponents affect his judgment. This is not the first time he has received a red card due to emotional outbursts, and if this issue is not addressed, it will seriously impact his career. In contrast, the similarly young Bellingham showed greater maturity, remaining calm even after missing the penalty. Vinicius' technique and speed are impeccable, but his mental fortitude still needs improvement, which may require the accumulation of time and experience.
The team is currently in an upward trend and cannot allow individual emotional issues to affect the whole. Ancelotti needs to spend time helping Vinicius improve his mental fortitude, which is crucial for the team's long-term development. This game also serves as a wake-up call for Vinicius, and it is hoped that he can learn from it.
Modric's goal in the 85th minute proved that the veteran can still step up in critical moments. However, the team's main force has gradually shifted towards young players like Bellingham, and this transition has been very smooth. The experience of Kroos and Modric complements Bellingham's vitality well, maintaining a high standard in the midfield. Young players are growing rapidly under the guidance of veterans, a tradition that Real Madrid has always upheld. The current Real Madrid boasts both the stability of veterans and the dynamism of newcomers, making the team's strength more comprehensive.
The team currently leads Atletico Madrid by two points and Barcelona by five points, a hard-earned advantage. If they can maintain this state, Real Madrid has a good chance of winning the league title this season. The team is undergoing a transition between old and new players but still maintains strong competitiveness, which fills us with anticipation for the future.