Real Madrid talisman to have a new role in Alonso’s setup once he returns from injury | OneFootball

One of the big challenges for Xabi Alonso at Real Madrid is to identify his best, strongest starting lineup while finding a way to rotate his players to ensure that none of the players feel overlooked.

The midfield department, in particular, will be a big puzzle for the Spanish tactician, where he has several quality players and only three positions.

As reported earlier, Aurelien Tchouameni and Federico Valverde are considered undisputed starters in the centre of the park, leaving one spot vacant for the likes of Arda Guler, Eduardo Camavinga, Jude Bellingham, and Dani Ceballos to battle for.

Bellingham to have a different role

According to The Athletic’s Mario Cortegana, Bellingham will have to adapt to a new role and position in Xabi Alonso’s system once he returns from injury.

Since joining Real Madrid back in 2023, the England international had been largely utilised as an attacking midfielder operating just behind the forwards, which made him a major goal threat.

New position for Bellingham under Alonso. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

But Alonso plans to have Bellingham move further back in midfield, operating in a deeper role than he has done so far at Real Madrid.

The idea is for the 22-year-old midfielder to have more contact with the ball and contribute in build-up play but without taking away his impact in the final third of the pitch, where he can be devastating with his darting runs into the box.

After playing all six matches under Alonso at the FIFA Club World Cup, Bellingham underwent shoulder surgery in July and is currently recovering from the same.

The idea is for the former Borussia Dortmund midfielder to make a comeback sometime in October, and when he does, he will have the challenge of adapting to a new role under the new management.

With Arda Guler impressing as the third midfielder at the start of the season, it will be interesting to see how Bellingham rises to the challenge.