Real Madrid midfielder puts pressure on Xabi Alonso ahead of Levante clash | OneFootball

After taking over managerial duties from Carlo Ancelotti this summer, Xabi Alonso has brought in a sense of competitiveness within the Real Madrid camp.

The Spaniard hasn’t played favourites, and barring a few untouchables such as Kylian Mbappe, everyone has had to fight for a place in the team. Xabi hasn’t been shy in benching players like Vinicius Jr. either.

However, in a role reversal, it appears the returning Jude Bellingham is now putting pressure on Alonso, potentially forcing him to look away from his merit-based selection policy.

Jude Bellingham to start vs Levante?

According to AS, Bellingham is putting pressure on Xabi Alonso to rethink his strategies heading into the Levante contest.

The report adds that Alonso is well aware of Bellingham’s quality and believes the Englishman must be a part of Real Madrid’s starting eleven.

Will Jude Bellingham start against Levante tonight? (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)

Keeping that in mind, the former Dortmund starlet is a strong candidate to start against Levante in the attacking midfield position.

But that’s where things get interesting. In order to accommodate Bellingham in the number ten role, Alonso must either bench Franco Mastantuono or Arda Guler.

Both players have shown immense quality this season, with Mastantuono, in particular, enjoying his best game as a Real Madrid player against Espanyol.

But given Bellingham’s quality and what he can bring to the table, Alonso must sacrifice one of them, whether it be against Levante or against the big game against Atletico Madrid.

Given the magnitude of the Atleti game, one would expect Xabi to help Bellingham polish his game by handing him a start against Levante so he can be fully prepare for the derby later this week.