Media Figure: Mbappe’s Absence Liberates Bellingham; Real Madrid Needs a Supplementary Center Forward Despite Having Tension

On September 30, in the 8th round of La Liga, Real Madrid drew 1-1 with Atletico Madrid away from home.

After the game, media figure Mi Chi Tu – Liu Shisi wrote: “Without Mbappe, Bellingham frequently advances into the center of the penalty area as a midfielder, acting as a temporary center forward. Under such a playing style, Real Madrid has better overall tension and, relatively speaking, achieves a more balanced attack and defense. However, if Bellingham truly wants to score in key matches, he still needs a supplementary center forward to play alongside him. Using Bellingham alone as a temporary center forward can only serve as a cover (the goal was also a result of Bellingham’s cover). Without a supplementary center forward, Real Madrid’s overall scoring efficiency is still lacking, but the team has a high chance of remaining undefeated.”

Additionally, he added: “There is one issue, which is that Real Madrid’s central defenders are getting weaker, and this could be a hidden danger. After Rudiger moves up, his flexibility in turning and other movements is not great. In such a situation, Militao’s recovery speed is significant for the defensive line’s positioning height and density. With Militao’s explosive power weakened after a serious injury, it brings some issues that did not exist before and also reduces Real Madrid’s ability to maintain a 1-0 lead, which will be bad news for Real Madrid. After all, the Bellingham-Vinicius system is based on a balance between attack and defense, aiming to concede fewer goals while delivering counterattacks at speed and the tension during transitions. If the defense is not reliable, the overall effect will be compromised.”