Bellingham 20th, Bale 4th - Most goal contributions in debut La Liga season since 2000

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If Jude Bellingham hadn’t already cemented his place in the hearts of Real Madrid supporters then his second stoppage time winner in El Clásico this season will have secured that affection. The Englishman has been a revelation since moving to the Spanish giants from Borussia Dortmund last summer for €103 million and he’s been Barcelona’s kryptonite. 

In October, Bellingham scored twice including a stunning winner in injury time to secure a 2-1 for Madrid in Catalonia. On Sunday night, the 20-year-old netted another late winner to break Barcelona hearts and move Madrid 11 points clear at the top of La Liga with his first club goal since February. It leaves Madrid on the brink of another Spanish title and they are the favourites to win the Champions League after knocking out Manchester City to reach the semi-finals. Bellingham’s goal was his 21st goal contribution in La Liga this season and we’ve analysed where he ranks amongst players with the most goals and assists in their debut seasons in the Spanish top-flight. 

The players with most goal contributions in debut La Liga season since 2000

Bellingham has scored 17 goals and provided 4 assists in La Liga across 25 appearances. His 21 goal contributions leaves him currently level with Ronaldinho but he will likely surpass the Brazilian icon with six games still remaining. There are some famous faces on the list of players with the most goal contributions in their first season in La Liga and unsurprisingly, Cristiano Ronaldo sits top.  The Portuguese superstar famously joined Real Madrid from Manchester United in 2009 and he scored 26 goals and provided nine assists in 29 La Liga games in his debut season.

 Luis Suárez ranks second after contributing 32 goals and assists in his debut 2017/18 season with Barcelona after leaving Liverpool. Robert Lewandowski’s 23 goals and seven assists last season leaves him in third place with Radamel Falcao and Gareth Bale tied in fourth place with 28 goal contributions, but the Welshman enjoyed the better ratio. Bellingham could climb into the top ten by the end of the season, which is more impressive when you factor in that he predominately plays in midfield. 

Most goals for Real Madrid in debut La Liga 

Bellingham’s goalscoring numbers are exceptional for a midfielder with 21 goals in all competitions. As the graphic above illustrates, his 17 league goals this season means he ranks third for most goals scored in debut Real Madrid season in La Liga since 2000. Fellow Englishman Michael Owen only managed 13 goals in his first league season but Bellingham won’t catch Ruud van Nistelrooy or Ronaldo’s total.