Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso gives further details over new Jude Bellingham role | OneFootball

Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso has nuanced his words ahead of the Club World Cup, when he declared that he wanted to make Jude Bellingham more of a traditional midfielder, and ‘more efficient’. Ahead of their derby clash with Atletico Madrid, he also spoke about Franco Mastantuono’s virtues and Vinicius Junior, which question marks over the starting XI.

While Alonso commented that the atmosphere at the Metroplitano would help the occasion, but it was pointed out to him that it was an environment that Vinicius had suffered in previously.

“We can’t ignore what’s happened. We have to be prepared for it. With the weapons we have. Vini is essential for us. I liked the things he did the other day; I like seeing him smile. And for us, the preparation will be the same.”

Alonso gives more details on Jude Bellingham role

Under Carlo Ancelotti, Jude Bellingham was given plenty of freedom, at times becoming a third or fourth forward playing behind Vinicius and Kylian Mbappe. Alonso

“He’s an attacking midfielder. He can participate in both build-up and finishing. He has the ability to cover a lot of ground. You have to arrive with the greatest advantage to be able to disrupt the game. In accordance with his flexibility and variability. Some players are more static, and Jude isn’t one of those.”

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Alonso on Mastantuono – ‘I love how competitive he is’

In Bellingham’s absence, both new signing Franco Mastantuono and youngster Arda Guler have had plenty of game time. Alonso was asked what it is that he likes so much about the Argentina international.

“Franco has a lot going for him. He’s only 18 years old. The adaptation has been very good. I love how competitive he is. He has a lot of energy. Then we have to tidy him up. But that competitive gene is fundamental to our team. We’re going to enjoy him. We have everyone ready. Everyone has recovered well from Levante game. There’s no injuries or anything. We’ll decide tomorrow.”

Alonso selection dilemmas

The big debate is whether Bellingham should come into the Real Madrid line-up. The England star has come off the bench twice against Espanyol and Levante, playing 20 minutes across the two games. It seems more likely that he will be used off the bench again, with Mastantuono and Guler playing ahead of Fede Valverde and Aurelien Tchouameni. Otherwise, the line-up seems relatively clear, with Eder Militao to return alongside Dean Huijsen.