With his stellar season at Real Madrid and impressive performances with England, Jude Bellingham has become a top priority for Spain in the Euro 2024 final. His technical skills, goal-scoring prowess, and agility make him a formidable opponent.
BERLIN — Harry Kane may be England's top scorer and Bukayo Saka its most efficient creator at Euro 2024, but there is one man Spain is paying its undivided attention to in Sunday's final: Jude Bellingham.
With his exceptional performance at Real Madrid and his growing influence on the English national team, Bellingham has emerged as a formidable force in European football. His versatility, technical prowess, and unwavering determination have made him a crucial player for both club and country.
Bellingham: Spain's Target in Euro 2024 Final
Bellingham's debut season with Real Madrid was nothing short of spectacular. Playing in a more attacking role than at his previous club, Borussia Dortmund, he showcased his goal-scoring abilities, netting 23 goals in all competitions. His contribution was instrumental in Real Madrid's historic double, capturing both the La Liga and Champions League titles.
As a result, Spanish fans have had ample opportunities to witness Bellingham's brilliance firsthand. At just 17 years old, he departed his hometown club Birmingham City for Dortmund, never having played in the English Premier League.
Bellingham thrives on the grand stage, embracing the responsibility of being the catalyst for decisive moments. His ability to deliver when it matters most is precisely why Spain views him as their primary obstacle in their quest for a fourth European Championship title.
"I know Jude very well," said Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente. "One of the first votes I participated in, having just taken over the national team, was for the best players in Europe. Jude was still playing in Germany and much less known by the wider public. I voted him second place."
While Bellingham has displayed glimpses of his brilliance during Euro 2024, he has yet to match the consistent level of performance seen during his domestic campaign. His partnership with Phil Foden, the EPL player of the year, has been inconsistent, and England's overall play has sometimes lacked pace and creativity.
However, Bellingham proved his match-winning capabilities in the opening match against Serbia, scoring the only goal to secure a 1-0 victory. Against Slovakia, he etched himself into English football folklore with a stunning bicycle kick in the dying seconds of injury time, forcing extra time and setting the stage for Kane's winning header.
"Who else?" exclaimed Bellingham after scoring the equalizer, a phrase that swiftly made headlines in the Spanish media.
Certain players possess a natural aptitude for extraordinary challenges, and Bellingham embodies this trait. As England strives to end its long wait for a major trophy, there is no greater stage than the Euro 2024 final.
Manager Gareth Southgate believes Bellingham has the ability to "write his own scripts." England will eagerly await another chapter in Bellingham's script as they chase history on Sunday.
Martin Rogers is a columnist for FOX Sports. Follow him on Twitter @MRogersFOX.
