THE 2024 Champions League final between Borussia Dortmund and Real Madrid has thrown up several interesting narratives. Be it the exiled Jadon Sancho seeking to prove his Manchester United doubters wrong or Toni Kroos’ last-ever club game before retirement, the scriptwriters have certainly outdone themselves this time.

However, perhaps the greatest storyline is Jude Bellingham returning to face his former side in a showpiece final on home soil. The former side that he moved to as a 17-year-old boy and left as a 20-year-old superstar. And all eyes will certainly be on the latest Galactico. The England international has soared to new heights this season, notching 23 goals and 12 assists across all competitions for Real Madrid.

Nothing has fazed the 20-year-old at the Santiago Bernabeu thus far, and there’s little to suggest that Saturday’s occasion will be any different. Bellingham has stepped up on the biggest stage, scoring injury-time winning goals both home and away against Barcelona. He quickly cast aside any doubts surrounding his £115m transfer fee, gaining the adoration of the Madrid faithful in no time.

The midfielder struck on his first-ever La Liga appearance away at Athletic Club before delivering his trademark open-arms celebration in front of a seething San Mamés. His next three appearances brought a further four goals. It meant he was the fourth player to score in his first four games in La Liga in the 21st century, after Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Cristiano Ronaldo (2009-10) and Cesc Fàbregas (2011-12).

Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti has afforded Bellingham far greater attacking freedom than he was granted at Borussia Dortmund, picking up much more advanced positions when Los Blancos have possession. He has typically formed part of an attacking trident for the Spanish giants, alongside Rodrygo and Vinicius Junior, with Bellingham assuming a false nine role most recently.

This positional alteration has resulted in Bellingham having a far greater impact in the final third. Only Artem Dovbyk (24) and Alexander Sørloth (23) managed more La Liga goals than the 20-year-old this term, while only Sørloth (1.05) averaged more non-penalty goals and assists per 90 than Bellingham in the Spanish top-flight (0.93). Bellingham’s perfectly-timed runs into the opposition box have been a constant thorn in opponents’ side, and he has averaged 0.29 goals per shot – the second highest in La Liga behind Girona’s Portu (0.32).

The midfield metronome also ranks eighth in La Liga for shots on target (34) and has been extremely ruthless in front of goal. He has outperformed his xG by 7.88 in 2023-24, the third-highest overperformance in the big five European leagues after only Sørloth (10.65) and Phil Foden (8.66). The 20-year-old is also protected, with three midfielders beside him to help control and dominate games. Ancelotti has paid a huge amount of faith in him; only three players have played more minutes in all competitions for Real Madrid this season (3557).

Granted, Bellingham is so much more than just a goalscorer. Despite failing to score or assist in either of this season’s Champions League semi or quarter-finals, the England international greatly impacted the ties. His presence immediately draws defenders, opening vast space for his attacking counterparts Vinicius and Rodrygo. His intelligence allows him to glide into small pockets, with defenders forced to thwart him by any means necessary – he has won the fifth most fouls in La Liga this season (72). The 20-year-old was additionally involved in the fifth most attacking sequences in La Liga this term (171).

It’s set to be a busy few weeks for Bellingham, with the Champions League final and European Championships approaching. And there’s little doubt that the star man will have to play a vital role in any potential summer success.

And though it is looking increasingly likely that it will be a trophy-less campaign for Kane with Bayern this year, he will be looking to ensure he does get his hands on silverware in Germany with England at the upcoming European Championships this summer.

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