Real Madrid vs Barcelona: Can Jude Bellingham make statement in El Clasico with English sub-plot

Jude Bellingham scored his first goal of the season on Wednesday, reinforcing his status as a hero among Real Madrid fans despite a challenging start to the campaign marked by injury and uncertainty over his role in England's World Cup squad. As he prepares for the upcoming El Clasico against Barcelona, he aims to prove his worth to England manager Thomas Tuchel and others, highlighting his determination to remain a key player.

The El Clasico is set to be historic as the first to feature two English players in opposition, with Bellingham facing Barcelona's in-form forward Marcus Rashford, while Real Madrid's Trent Alexander-Arnold is unlikely to participate due to injury. This high-stakes match at the Bernabeu, attended by over 80,000 fans and watched by more than 650 million viewers, serves as an ideal platform for Bellingham to make a statement, particularly with Tuchel's attention focused on him.

Since joining Real Madrid from Borussia Dortmund in 2023, Bellingham has achieved significant success, including winning La Liga and the Champions League, and has excelled internationally with standout performances such as his overhead kick for England in the Euros. With 44 caps, experience in three major tournaments, a role in the leadership group, and being voted England men's player of the year for 2024-25, his credentials are strong. However, he was omitted from Tuchel's squad for recent matches against Wales and Latvia, with Tuchel clarifying that the decision was tactical and not personal, and plans to discuss his inclusion before the November camp.

Bellingham now has the perfect opportunity to demonstrate his value in the El Clasico against defending champions Barcelona, which could influence his recall to the England squad and solidify his position as a leading figure in both club and international football.