Ruud van Nistelrooy has urged Real Madrid fans to "value" Jude Bellingham's debut season after an incredible run of goalscoring.
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Bellingham has scored 22 goalsIncredible debut season at BernabeuForm took a turn a couple of weeks agoWHAT HAPPENED?
Bellingham has enjoyed a stunning debut campaign at Real, scoring 22 goals and providing 10 assists, as they have won La Liga and reached the semi-finals of the Champions League. The England international, though, has seen his form somewhat taper off since February; he has scored two league goals since then, sustained an ankle injury, and was also sent off against Valencia, leading to a two-game suspension.
AdvertisementGetty ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE
Van Nistelrooy, though, believes that Bellingham is dealing with unfair "demands", as he is expected to run the midfield, score goals, and provide assists. While the Dutchman believes he is good enough to do all three, he has urged Real fans to keep his performances in perspective.
WHAT VAN NISTELROOY SAID
Former Real and Manchester United striker Van Nistelrooy told AS: "I don't think it (his form) has gone down. In fact, against Cádiz he scored again as soon as he went out on the field and now has 18 goals. In what sense does he perform less? You have to put things in perspective.
"That Jude has so many goals is an extra, a bonus. He is a splendid all-rounder, who arrives phenomenally on the second line, he runs, he defends, he has a vision of the game, he makes quick transitions… We cannot demand that he be a scorer and, nevertheless, he is one.
"His season is spectacular and must be valued in the right way for him. It doesn't matter that (Carlo) Ancelotti has changed his role, he performs wherever he is put, because he is an exceptional player."
Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT?
Real play Bayern in the second leg of their Champions League semi-final on Wednesday, with the tie evenly poised at 2-2 from a chaotic first leg, and Bellingham could have a key role to play once again in their bid to reach the showpiece at Wembley.