Yamal must avoid Bellingham's mistake — Greame Sounness

Former Liverpool midfielder Graeme Souness has expressed concern over Jude Bellingham's showing this season, opining that the England international has an attitude problem.

The 21-year-old had a remarkable debut season in Spain, scoring 23 goals and assisting 13 more. These numbers earned him third place in the Ballon d'Or standings.

While he has maintained a high level this season, his output has waned—13 goals and 13 assists so far—and he has had a few games in which his degree of involvement has been questioned.

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Writing in his column in the Daily Mail, the former Liverpool midfielder said this campaign has been a disappointing one from Jude compared to the heights he attained last season. He believes his behaviour and temperament are to blame.

"Watching Jude Bellingham at Real Madrid of late has been concerning,” Sounness said. “He had an incredible first season in Spain, looked a world-beater but now I'm afraid it looks like he's not listening anymore.”

I hope I'm wrong. But this year has been a disappointment, and you have to question some of Bellingham's behaviour, showing dissent, needlessly getting into trouble with referees.”

Sounness also hailed Yamal in his column, emphasising the ridiculousness of the teenagers' performance level. However, in his address to Bellingham's attitude, he warned that Yamal must avoid towing that path.

"If he is listening to anyone, then their advice looks misguided. And, if he is putting this attitude down to what he thinks is overexuberant shows of passion, then he is also mistaken. It's a perfect example of what Yamal needs to avoid.”

"It's not just Bellingham, of course, but I'd hate to see him continue going that way. He needs to look at videos of what he hasn't been doing right.

“I hate to harp on about it, but that's the value of having good senior professionals around. Those who have seen the signs before and who will put you straight.

“I'm sure at clubs like Real Madrid and Barcelona, there are many of those worth listening to. The message will always be never believe you are too wise to stop learning and listening.