It is not often that a first touch pulled backwards is so critical or smart. However, Jude Bellingham’s first touch versus Manchester City was not only incredible but led to a crucial goal.
Bellingham stood just at the half way line as the soccer ball came to defender Daniel Carvajal. Who, essentially, skied the ball forward toward a on running Bellingham.
It only took Rodrygo 12 minutes to get things at the Etihad 💥
The first touch from Jude though 👀 pic.twitter.com/Ly8pgWMvme
— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) April 17, 2024
In a blink of an eye and in one motion, Bellingham took the air out of the ball and pulled it back into space with the top of his foot, like it was nothing. The key points here are how quickly he did this and his ability to make the ball do what he wanted to do. Side point: Young soccer players, juggling and control is about making the ball do what you want to do. Manchester City defensive midfielder Rodrigo is rushing to try to win the ball but is completely fooled by the clever touch by Bellingham.
Many soccer pundits called it a very Zidane like first touch and control. Which it was. I’m sure the former Real Madrid player and manager was impressed. And while the Zidane comparisons are apt, Bellingham has more power and strength than Zidane. The speed at which he plays is at an elite level in world football. He is the new kind of world footballer, with skill and power. Like the Brazilian Ronaldo but as both a creative and defensive midfielder.
It is hard to believe that Bellingham is just 20 years old. He has the potential to become and be the best footballer in the world. He has the ability and strength to keep the ball under pressure and charge forward with it on his foot, if needed.
Bellingham is the type of soccer player that Manchester City didn’t have in the game. Someone who can both hold the ball and make things happen. Sure, of course Manchester City have Kevin De Bruyne. Although he doesn’t have the power and speed of someone like Bellingham. Thierry Henry went through some of this very wisely – including Bellingham first touch that led to the goal.
Moreover, as if to prove the unorthodox first touch move was part of the plan, Bellingham told Rio Ferdinand and TNT Sports that Real Madrid and their manager, Carlo Ancelotti, infuse the team with confidence to try things:
“Some teams are a bit more structured in terms of their passing styles and patterns of play and it’s really interesting to watch and it’s difficult to play against, but one of our biggest strengths is that we are so off the cuff.”
Yes, the Bellingham first touch was off the cuff. It also led Real Madrid in many ways to the Champions League semi-finals.