Manager backs the midfielder to be “the cornerstone” of Real Madrid for a long time to come
Real Madrid coach Alvaro Arbeloa has said he told midfielder Jude Bellingham to “stop running” on the pitch.
It comes as a surprise as most managers usually demand as much work rate as possible from their players. Arbeloa said the England midfielder was hugely talented but needed to conserve his energy more on the pitch. He said he had been impressed from the very beginning with the 22-year-old’s abilities.
“It’s not that he was a surprise, but from day one I’ve seen a player with exceptional quality and talent,” Arbeloa said of Bellingham. “Something that’s even more surprising up close.
“But beyond that, I’ve seen a leader. The other day, 48 hours after a match, I told him, ‘I never usually say this, but stop running so much!’. The performance he’s showing in training, his commitment and leadership, I’m very proud of his level and of having a player like him.
“On the pitch, he’s capable of so many things: he makes runs into space, reads the game, and has a great shot. He’s young, but he has a wealth of experience. And he’s going to be the cornerstone of this Real Madrid for many, many years to come.”
