Xabi Alonso, the new head coach of Real Madrid, is set to enact a substantial tactical shift for player Jude Bellingham. Reports indicate that Alonso plans to reposition Bellingham from an advanced role to a more traditional midfield position. This adjustment is aimed at enhancing Bellingham’s involvement in build-up play, thereby providing greater balance and control within Madrid’s midfield.
Under Carlo Ancelotti, Bellingham excelled predominantly as an attacking midfielder, often even filling the role of a false 9. While this position showcased his scoring capabilities, it inadvertently limited his influence on playmaking and ball retention during transitions. Alonso, renowned for his tactical insight, believes that Bellingham will be able to contribute more effectively from a deeper role, much like he did at Borussia Dortmund.
The proposed change not only seeks to harness Bellingham’s talents but also aims to fortify the overall midfield dynamics for Real Madrid. Alonso envisions a system where Bellingham collaborates closely with teammates such as Federico Valverde and Aurélien Tchouaméni, which should facilitate improved ball circulation and efficient pressing during defensive recovery.
This strategic repositioning could also benefit other offensive talents on the squad, such as Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Jr., allowing them to concentrate on finishing plays without the added responsibility of playmaking. Alonso’s vision emphasizes the need for a balanced team setup, where each player’s strengths are maximized for the collective good.
Moreover, as part of this tactical overhaul, Alonso reportedly intends to integrate Arda Güler into the attacking scheme, hoping to leverage his offensive potential similar to how he previously utilized Florian Wirtz. This means that while Bellingham focuses on enhancing the midfield’s defensive and creative functions, Güler could assume a more prominent role in attacking scenarios—further underscoring Alonso’s ambition to revitalize the team’s play style.
With this significant transformation, Real Madrid is poised to adapt to a more structured and dominant midfield presence under Alonso’s tutelage, creating an exciting prospect for fans and players alike.