Former Real Madrid midfielder names two players who do not work well together under Alonso | OneFootball

Former Real Madrid midfielder Alvaro Benito has offered his insights into Xabi Alonso’s tactical approach and highlighted the challenges of pairing Jude Bellingham and Arda Guler in the same starting lineup.

Speaking to AS (h/t SPORT), Benito suggested that Alonso could face difficulties accommodating both stars simultaneously.

It must be noted that Bellingham missed the start of the 2025/26 season due to shoulder surgery, during which time Alonso integrated Guler into the midfield.

The Turkish midfielder adapted quickly, showing impressive form in his new role.

Big dilemma for Alonso?

With Bellingham now fit, a dilemma has emerged over how to include both talents without compromising the team’s style.

Benito explained, “It’s not an easy issue for Xabi Alonso. It has to do with what you need and what the players can bring to the table.

“From what we’ve seen in recent months with Xabi, we already know that he likes to dominate, press, and play in the opponent’s half.

“To dominate, you need players who give you width, depth, and balance on the wing.”

Can Guler and Bellingham operate together? (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

He continued, highlighting the challenge of fitting all the attacking stars into Alonso’s system.

“If you play a 4-4-2, with Bellingham and Arda Guler on the wings, who gives you width? It’s a good starting XI to defend at the back and attack vertically. But that’s not Xabi’s style.

“If Xabi Alonso’s style needs width and depth, you need some chaos on the wings, something that Mastantuono gives you more than Guler.”

The limits of adjusting roles

One option could be to move Guler deeper in midfield, but Benito notes that the Turkish midfielder is most effective near the opposition’s box.

Similarly, Bellingham thrived playing almost as a forward after Karim Benzema’s departure, scoring goals consistently.

However, with Mbappe’s arrival, Bellingham has been forced to drop deeper, resulting in a noticeable dip in his output.

Benito summed up the tactical challenge by stating, “In order to play with Bellingham and Arda Guler, you would have to play a 4-4-2, which does not fit with Xabi Alonso’s style.

“It’s not so easy to put players in a starting eleven based on performance.”