Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham Warned of Opposition Challenges Next Season

Arsenal legend Paul Merson has issued a warning to Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham, stating that opponents will find ways to stop him from playing at the same level next season. The England international impressed in his first season at Real Madrid, scoring 17 goals in 20 games, but Merson believes he needs to come up with solutions to maintain his top form.

Merson, speaking on the Football’s Greatest YouTube channel, highlighted how Bellingham’s opponents began to focus on stopping him after his impressive start to the season. "He comes in and hits La Liga by storm, 17 goals in 20 games, bombing into the box. They can’t stop him, unreal. All of a sudden he gets to Christmas and it’s all Bellingham," Merson said.

However, as Real Madrid faced teams like Cadiz, Real Betis, and Athletic Bilbao, the opposition’s tactics shifted. "Now they are playing the likes of Cadiz or Real Betis or Athletic Bilbao and in their team talk, they are like, ‘gotta stop this kid Bellingham’. Not Vinicus Jr or Rodrygo or Modric or Kroos. Now all of a sudden it’s all about stopping Bellingham and everybody stopped him," Merson pointed out.

Merson believes that Bellingham needs to develop ways to overcome these challenges, citing examples of players like Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Ryan Giggs who have maintained their top level over the years. "He’s got to come up with solutions. This is why you talk about people like Ronaldo, Messi, Ryan Giggs. It’s going to be hard for him next year, believe me. If he performs at the same level next year, I will be like ‘wow, you’re special’ because he will get stopped from playing and he has to come up with ideas," Merson said.

As Bellingham looks to build on his impressive debut season, he will face stiff competition from his Real Madrid teammates and opponents alike. Can he find a way to overcome these challenges and continue to shine at the highest level? Only time will tell.