Jude Dependencia at Real?
Are Real Too Reliant On Jude Bellingham?
Much was said in the build up to the Champions League El Derbi Madrileño, on Tuesday the 4th of March 2025, about a thing called Jude-Dependencia.
It’s essentially a question of whether or not Real Madrid are over-reliant on Jude Bellingham. But is it real?
We all know that nowadays, unless you are a striker or an inside-forward/winger (call it what you want), you are unlikely to win any of the major awards. Which is a shame, because it has given us a pretty one-dimensional view of football. We think it should be more like the pound-for-pound rankings in boxing. Are you better in your position, than someone else is in theirs? Yes? Then you should beat them in awards season. For example, Manuel Neuer probably should have been only the second goalkeeper to win the Ballon d’Or, after Lev Yashin. But that’s another debate for another time.
All of which is to say that Vinicius Jr, Mbappé and, to a lesser (and inexplicable extent), Rodrygo will take the bulk of any global awards when they are meted out. Not completely unreasonably in this case. The numbers they are chalking up this season are quite frankly ridiculous. But what about the heartbeat of a team?
It’s central midfielders. It is always central midfielders. Think of the genuinely great teams, and they always have at least one genuinely great central midfield player. It might be a “water-carrier,” like Deschamps or N'Golo Kanté, or a creative genius like Xavi or Modrić. The point is, they are the architects, the conductors, the metronomes that dictate the rhythm and flow of a match. And in this Real Madrid side, that role belongs to Jude Bellingham.
So, is "Jude-Dependencia" a valid concern? We must look beyond the raw goal and assist numbers. Yes, Vinicius, Rodrygo and Mbappé provide the explosive, game-changing moments, but Bellingham provides the consistent, underlying quality that makes those moments possible.
He's not just a goalscorer; he's a master of transitions, a tireless runner, and a player with an uncanny ability to read the game. He breaks up opposition play, initiates attacks, and possesses a maturity beyond his years. He's the fulcrum, the player who makes everyone around him better.
The concern, however, stems from the fact that when Bellingham is off his game, Real Madrid can look noticeably less fluid. If he is marked out of the game, or if his energy levels are not up to the usual standard, a drop in performance from Real is noticeable. That is the nature of the player who already has so much influence.
However, labelling it solely as "dependencia" might be a little too simplistic.
Real Madrid's strength lies in their depth and versatility. Even if Bellingham is off his game or absent, they have the quality to find other solutions and create moments of genius. But the reality is, with Bellingham at his best, they are a significantly more formidable force. It’s worth mentioning how generally great Valverde is or how Ceballos is arguably having the best season of his life. But Bellingham is special and makes Real the truly great side they are.
Ultimately, "Jude-Dependencia" is a testament to Bellingham's extraordinary impact. It's a recognition of his importance to this Real Madrid side, a player who has quickly become indispensable. And while the spotlight will often fall on the goalscorers, it's the midfielders like Bellingham who truly make the team tick.
And maybe, just maybe, if we re-evaluate how we view footballing excellence, he'll get the recognition, in terms of awards, he truly deserves.