6 key passes, 1 assist: English midfielder plays a vital role as Real Madrid overcome the Real Sociedad challenge | OneFootball

Real Madrid headed into the 1st leg of the Copa Del Rey semi-final, with a few key players such as Kylian Mbappe missing due to a tooth infection and Fede Valverde and Thibaut Courtois being granted a rest by Carlo Ancelotti.

Despite three crucial players not being part of the match-day squad, the Italian manager had enough experience to face the Real Sociedad challenge.

The forward line was a blend of a couple of eager youngsters and Vinicius Junior – who was captaining Los Blancos for the first time in his career.

An Englishman known as Jude Victor William Bellingham was the leader in midfield, along with a rejuvenated Dani Ceballos and Eduardo Camavinga.

He knew that a lot would depend on his shoulders and that the team would be reliant on his experience of being a big game player – and the 21-year-old surely did not disappoint.

Forming a part of the midfield quartet, the Englishman was off to a wonderful start, and it took him only 19 minutes to notch his 11th assist of the season and 1st in the Copa Del Rey. He almost also set up Vinicius just 10 minutes later as the Brazilian had his shot saved by Alex Remiro.

As the game went on, the Euros finalist showcased his skills both on and off the ball, getting into good positions up the pitch and looking comfortable while in possession.

According to Sofascore statistics, Jude had a passing accuracy of 86%, exceptionally made as many as 6 key passes, and created 1 big chance too. Although he won just 7 out of 17 duels, the midfielder made 4 clearances and 2 tackles to make up for the poor duel-winning record in the game.

Endrick knew Bellingham would not miss the pass and called him ‘one of the best players in the world’.

The youngster will be a big miss in the next two fixtures, as he is suspended for the upcoming La Liga fixture against Real Betis (due to a red card) and 1st leg of the UEFA Champions League round of 16 against Atletico Madrid due to an accumulation of yellow cards. This means the next game he is a part of, is the home fixture against Rayo Vallecano on 9th March.

His absence will be felt but Carlo Ancelotti has multiple players at his disposal who can fill the void left by Jude Bellingham in the midfield and help Real Madrid secure victories in the next two matches.