The Real Madrid head coach has advised the English midfielder to conserve his energy
Álvaro Arbeloa’s growing admiration for Jude Bellingham was clear as the Real Madrid head coach spoke to the media ahead of his side’s final Champions League league phase clash away at Benfica. While the spotlight has often focused on Bellingham’s goals and match-winning moments, Arbeloa revealed that his biggest concern at the moment is ensuring the midfielder does not burn himself out.
Real Madrid travel to Lisbon sitting third in the Champions League table on 15 points, comfortably positioned to qualify directly for the round of 16. Only a defeat to Benfica combined with a highly unlikely swing of results elsewhere would threaten their top-eight finish, but Arbeloa’s attention has already turned to managing his squad across a long and demanding season.
At the centre of that planning is Bellingham, whose intensity and leadership have stood out even within a star-studded dressing room.
“Jude, and I’ll say it right here, it’s not that he was a surprise, but from day one I’ve seen a player with exceptional quality and talent, something that’s even more surprising up close,” Arbeloa said at his pre-match press conference.
“But beyond that, I’ve seen a leader. The other day, 48 hours after a match, I told him, ‘I never usually say this, but stop running’.”
🙌 “Álvaro Arbeloa and his entire coaching staff give me a lot of confidence. That’s the most important thing for a player.”
Real Madrid’s Franco Mastantuono had plenty of words of praise for his new coach, but just one about the club’s president 😁https://t.co/mNnoCJaaPZ
— BBSportNews (@thebbsportnews) January 28, 2026
A leader despite his age
Arbeloa went on to highlight the workload Bellingham continues to place on himself, both in matches and in training, praising his commitment while also urging caution.
“The performance he’s showing in training, his commitment and leadership… I’m very proud of his level and of having a player like him.”
Bellingham’s importance to Madrid has grown even amid a turbulent few weeks at the Bernabéu. The England international was notably whistled by sections of the home crowd following the sacking of Xabi Alonso, a reminder of the intense scrutiny that comes with wearing white. On the pitch, however, his response has been emphatic.
He was on the scoresheet in last week’s 6-1 demolition of Monaco, taking his Champions League tally to two goals in six matches this season, and continues to be central to Madrid’s attacking structure.
Arbeloa believes the midfielder’s influence will only grow in the years ahead.
“On the pitch, he’s capable of so many things: he makes runs into space, reads the game, and has a great shot. He’s young, but he has a wealth of experience. And he’s going to be the cornerstone of this Real Madrid for many, many years to come.”
As Madrid close out the league phase in Lisbon, Arbeloa’s message is clear: Jude Bellingham is indispensable, but even the most tireless stars sometimes need to slow down.