Xabi Alonso singles out Real Madrid midfielder after impressive Betis performance – ‘You’re a different player’ | OneFootball

Real Madrid’s emphatic 5–1 victory over Real Betis was inevitably framed around the stunning hat-trick from Gonzalo Garcia, but a closer look at the performance reveals another player who quietly delivered a near-flawless display. 

According to a recent report from Defensa Central, Jude Bellingham was one of the standout performers on the night, even if he stayed away from the headlines.

Bellingham’s growth over the past month has been clear to see. 

In recent matches, he has shown greater discipline in midfield, sharper decision-making, and a renewed hunger to contribute defensively, qualities that are now being fully appreciated by the coaching staff.

Praise from Xabi Alonso

That progress was acknowledged immediately after the Betis match. 

According to the aforementioned outlet, Xabi Alonso made a point of speaking directly to the England international in the dressing room. 

The message was simple but telling, as Alonso told him, “You’re a different player, you’ve improved a lot in the last month.” 

The numbers from the match strongly support that assessment, as Bellingham completed all four of his dribble attempts, finishing with a 100% success rate. 

Jude Bellingham was influential against Betis. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)

He recorded an impressive 89% passing accuracy, completing 73 of his 82 passes, while also producing three key passes that helped drive Madrid’s attacking rhythm. 

Defensively, he was just as committed, registering two successful tackles, eight ball recoveries, and winning nine of his thirteen ground duels. 

Add to that two shots on goal, and it paints the picture of a midfielder fully engaged in every phase of the game.

This level of performance suggests that Bellingham is steadily finding his way back to his best form after a troubling start to the season. 

Despite all this, there is still an ongoing tactical discussion around his role. 

This is because Bellingham has grown accustomed to operating in advanced positions and has developed a strong instinct for arriving in scoring zones. 

Letting go of those areas is not easy, especially for a player who has tasted regular goals.