Real Madrid superstar expected to start vs Atletico next week; one youngster could be sacrificed | OneFootball

Real Madrid have enjoyed a brilliant start to the season under Xabi Alonso, picking up five wins in five games across all competitions.

The manager has not been afraid to make bold selection choices, as has been seen with him benching Vinicius Jr. for two games and trusting teenage gem Franco Mastantuono to start regularly soon after he arrived at the club.

Alonso has seemingly found a settled plan, wherein Arda Guler, Federico Valverde, and Aurelien Tchouameni are the preferred starters in midfield, while Mastantuono competes with Brahim Diaz on the right flank.

Bellingham back, changes plans

However, Jude Bellingham’s recent return from injury is set to force the Real Madrid manager to change his plans, reports AS.

The Englishman has accelerated his return, cutting his recovery time by a month, and everything now indicates that the 22-year-old will be in the starting lineup when Real Madrid take on Atletico on 27 September.

Bellingham did not get any minutes vs Marseille on his return to the squad, but is expected to play some minutes vs Espanyol today and Levante again next week as preparation for the derby.

Sacrifice to be made

Guler’s place could be under threat with Bellingham’s return. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

But, in order to accommodate the Real Madrid No. 5 into the starting XI against Atletico at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano in a week, Alonso will have to sacrifice one of his current key pieces.

Bellingham could slot back in as an advanced midfielder, as he did in his first season, or in a midfield three, which would potentially come at the expense of Guler.

Alonso could sacrifice the right-winger, either Mastantuono or Brahim, in order to keep Guler in the team and play him in that role, considering that the Turkish international has been an influential presence on the pitch so far this season.

At the same time, it is not out of the question that Guler himself could be the one sacrificed. He is still adapting to his new role and has exhibited some insecurity on the ball, and his major mistake against Marseille directly cost a goal.

Either way, it presents Alonso with a selection dilemma, although, a happy one, given the quality that each player possesses.