Alvaro Arbeloa has revealed he was left stunned by Jude Bellingham’s relentless energy when the England midfielder arrived at Real Madrid, admitting he even told him to “stop running”.
The former Madrid and Spain defender, now working as a coach at the club, said Bellingham’s intensity stood out immediately and became a talking point within the group as he tried to rein it in.
Arbeloa explained that Bellingham’s desire to cover every blade of grass was so constant that it took him by surprise, prompting the tongue-in-cheek message for the midfielder to slow down rather than burn himself out.
Bellingham joined Madrid from Borussia Dortmund in the summer of 2023 and quickly became one of the team’s key figures, delivering match-winning moments and taking on major responsibility in his first season in Spain.
Arbeloa’s comments underline the impression Bellingham has made behind the scenes at Valdebebas, with his drive and work rate matching his quality on the ball.
The 20-year-old remains a central part of Carlo Ancelotti’s plans as Real Madrid continue their campaign, with the club keen to manage his output while allowing him to keep doing what has made him such an immediate success in white.
