Jude Bellingham is finding himself
Bellingham was once considered a symbol of the wave of all-powerful stars in English football. Since joining Real Madrid in the summer of 2023 for a fee of 103 million Euros, he has experienced all kinds of emotions, from the hero at El Clasico to the "mental thing" in Los Blancos' decline.
Last season ended disappointingly when Real were left empty-handed in all three major arenas and Bellingham became the focus of criticism. After the first season of contributing to goals every 101 minutes, he has declined and this index has decreased to 159 minutes/goal in the 2024-2025 season.
Part of the cause comes from a left shoulder injury that has lasted since November 2023. After Bellingham's surgery in the summer, Xabi Alonso still believes in giving him a key position. However, Bellingham need time to regain their form. The 2-5 loss to Atletico in the Madrid Derby on September 27 was his first starting match after recovering, showing that his fitness has not reached 100%.
However, the only goal against Juventus in midweek in the Champions League was an affirmation that Bellingham had returned. Experts believe that Alonso still sees him as the heart of Real Madrid's playing style, a player who can decide the situation in big moments, especially in matches like El Clasico.
Bellingham knows the value of this match better than anyone. In the previous two seasons, he was the hero who helped Real beat Barcelona 2-1 with a double, including the decisive goal in the 90+2 minute. However, a year later, he experienced a bitter memory when Real was destroyed by Barca with a total score of 7-16 in 4 matches.
Marcus Rashford is gradually becoming Barcelona's hope
When Barcelona announced the loan deal of Marcus Rashford from Manchester United in July, few people thought that after only 3 months he would become an almost indispensable factor in Hansi Flick's system.
In the context of Barca's injury-prone attack of Raphinha, Torres and Yamal, Rashford seized the opportunity. He scored 4 goals in 3 Champions League matches, including 2 doubles. This is an achievement that made the Spanish press admit that Flick has revived a Rashford who was lost at Old Trafford.
The 6-1 victory over Olympiakos was the clearest proof of the English player's confidence. With his speed, ability to choose positions and play direct, Rashford brought explosive features to Barca's left wing.
Internal sources said Rashford is a "less talkative but very sociable" guy. He tried to learn Spanish, focusing on Flick's pressing tactic even though this was not his forte.
The German strategist himself admitted: "Rashford is not a typical pressing player, but he is always willing to learn and sacrifice for the collective".
Currently, with the highest form among the three English stars, Rashford is almost certain to start in the big match against Real. If Torres is fit enough, Rashford will return to the left wing, where he plays best. That is also the place where Rashy scored against Real when he was playing for M.U in the 2023 Champions League.
With 9 goals (5 goals, 4 assists) in just 12 matches, Rashford is going through the most stable period in many years. The El Clasico match at the Bernabeu could be the stage for him to prove his complete rebirth in Spain.
Trent Alexander-Arnold is having a difficult start at Real Madrid
Unlike his two compatriots, Trent Alexander-Arnold is still looking for a place at Real Madrid. After leaving Liverpool in the summer, the 27-year-old defender started quite slowly due to not being used to the pace and style of La Liga.
He only played in the first 3 matches of the season before suffering a hamstring injury in the match against Marseille on September 16. That injury has left Trent out for more than a month and this is the time when Xabi Alonso can return to the squad.
Although not really shining, Madrid's coaching staff believes the English defender will be an important factor in the long term, especially when Dani Carvajal has turned 33. However, Trent's ability to play in El Clasico is still uncertain, as Federico Valverde could be given priority due to his physical strength and pressing ability.
For Real Madrid fans, the name "Trent" is reminiscent of a legendary night in the 2018-2019 Champions League semi-final, when he took a quick corner kick to help Liverpool come back against Barcelona in a 4-0 (4-3 victory). Now at the Bernabeu, Los Blancos fans are looking forward to him once again creating a magical moment against his former opponent.
