Real Madrid signed Jude Bellingham in the summer from Borussia Dortmund for a transfer package believed to be around €134 million. Considering the start that the Englishman has made to life in the Spanish capital, even that blockbuster figure is starting to look like a bargain for Los Blancos.
Bellingham has been the face of Real Madrid since arriving in the summer. In his first 10 appearances, he has scored 10 goals and provided 3 assists.
That is more goal contributions over that period of time than even Cristiano Ronaldo. What makes this even more impressive is the fact that he is not a forward. The Englishman does enjoy quite a bit of freedom in Carlo Ancelotti’s system and the manager deserves a lot of credit for getting the best out of Bellingham.
Most Real Madrid fans believe that Bellingham has been the player of the season so far. And yet, a former England international has picked an Arsenal player ahead of him.
Arsenal player picked ahead of Real Madrid’s Bellingham for player of the season
Stan Collymore wrote about Saka in his column for CaughtOffside:
"Bukayo Saka gets the nod ahead of Jude Bellingham as player of the season so farThe reason I’ve chosen Saka is because he’s not allowed missing the penalty for England, which is only two years ago, to affect him."
To be fair, Saka has been absolutely brilliant as well. He has been the main contributor for Arsenal this season, as they sit second in the Premier League table, level on points and goal difference with toppers Tottenham Hotspur but have scored a couple of goals less.
He was spectacular last season as well and there is zero doubt that Saka is one of the best players in the world right now. That being said, it does not feel like he has been better than Bellingham.
One also has to consider the fact that Saka has been at Arsenal for years. On the other hand, Bellingham joined Real Madrid in the summer, adjusted immediately and has produced the numbers that he has.