Bellingham’s Journey in the Bundesliga: From Struggles to Optimism

Following the path successfully navigated by his older brother Jude, expectations were that the younger Bellingham would seamlessly integrate into the Bundesliga and continue the family’s tradition of dominating midfield play across Europe.

However, the reality has proven to be more challenging than anticipated. Six months into his tenure in Germany, Bellingham has faced significant difficulties during his transition. Despite accumulating 27 appearances in all competitions, his performance has been underwhelming, with only one goal and three assists. This has left him struggling to impact games in the manner that Borussia Dortmund’s management had envisioned when they secured his signature.

Whispers of the term “flop” have circulated within the corridors of the Westfalenstadion, with critics suggesting that the leap from the English second tier to the Champions League may have been too ambitious, too soon. The weight of the Bellingham name has undoubtedly added a layer of pressure that few young players encounter, making every misplaced pass or subdued performance a notable event.

Nevertheless, despite external criticisms and disappointing statistics, a recent report from BILD indicates a shift in the club’s internal perspective towards Bellingham, moving from concern to cautious optimism. Rather than shying away from the spotlight, Bellingham has reportedly impressed the coaching staff with his attitude and commitment behind the scenes.

According to the report, Bellingham has earned the title of “training champion” within the squad, demonstrating tireless work ethic at the training ground and a level of professionalism that suggests his determination to improve. Dortmund’s management is increasingly convinced that this diligence will eventually translate into matchday performances.

Crucially, the club has identified a specific physical issue believed to be hindering his progress. Staff members suggest that Bellingham has become “too massive,” having bulked up significantly to cope with the physical demands of the Championship while at Sunderland. This additional muscle mass may be compromising his agility and explosiveness—qualities that made his brother Jude a formidable presence on the pitch.

To address this, Dortmund’s sports science department is implementing a targeted physical overhaul. They are working with Bellingham to reduce his muscle mass, aiming to refine his physique for improved sharpness and dynamism during transitions.

In the Championship, physical strength often serves as a primary asset for midfielders, whereas the Bundesliga demands rapid pace and the ability to change direction swiftly. The prevailing sentiment is that Bellingham currently possesses too much weight to fully harness his natural speed, rendering him less effective against more agile German midfielders.

This focused approach to modifying his body composition provides a clear explanation for his struggles. It indicates that the issue lies not in a lack of talent or football intelligence, but rather in a necessary physiological adjustment. By shedding the “Sunderland bulk,” the club hopes to unlock the agile, box-to-box midfielder they scouted so thoroughly. This process will take time, but the fact that Bellingham is fully engaged with the training regime has encouraged the club’s hierarchy.

Dortmund has built a modern reputation on patience and player development, seldom giving up on young talent quickly. The designation of “training champion” suggests a strong commitment to Bellingham’s development.

The club has experienced similar early struggles with other players like Robert Lewandowski, Ilkay Gundogan, and Henrikh Mkhitaryan, all of whom had difficult first seasons before blossoming into world-class talents. The internal belief is that Bellingham is on a comparable trajectory—a slow burner who requires time to acclimatize to a new country, language, and tactical system.

For Bellingham, the positive narrative shift from the German press will come as a relief. After months of uncertainty, the focus is transitioning from perceptions of failure to the potential for redemption. If he can successfully refine his physique and translate his training success to performance at Signal Iduna Park, the challenging start will soon be a distant memory. With the second half of the season providing a fresh slate, and with the club’s unwavering support, Bellingham has every opportunity to establish his own legacy in yellow and black.