A carrier and dribbler at Bellingham's level just opens up possibilities that weren't there before. Just creates soooo much space through driving with the ball alone. Has an incredible understanding of space, knows where/when/how to move or to combine with each player, how to create space in the 'pockets' as well as in general play. Technically and physically elite. Such a powerful runner off-ball too. Incredible incredible footballer. Such a rare profile.

The way Bellingham uses his frame to shield the ball is so uncannily similar to Zidane’s. The biomechanics are all almost identical.

Re: Control; Madrid. Two problems tying into one - Mourinho sides and Madrid's midfield. Mourinho sides have always been known to struggle to control games due to the nature of his game-style, dynamism and speed of play. This usually comes back to bite them in tight, messy games because they are so used to playing vertically and so fast that the game naturally becomes end-to-end or rather counter-attacking, when they need a bit of control. If they don't put games to bed, it usually comes back to bite them. (We've seen this already with Madrid). Not enough control when the game gets messy. Too much reliance on speed and transitions, not enough ability to slow it, keep the ball, and kill the contest. That’s the problem. Double-edged sword🗡️