Xabi Alonso Set to Deploy Bellingham Deeper in Midfield – A Potential Turning Point for Real Madrid’s Transfer Strategy
Xabi Alonso is planning a tactical shift for Jude Bellingham, positioning him in a deeper central midfield role rather than his usual advanced attacking spot — starting with the upcoming Club World Cup.
In a recent press conference, Alonso emphasized that he sees Bellingham as “a midfielder, not a second striker,” signaling a desire to improve Real Madrid’s tactical balance and better manage Bellingham’s workload.
This adjustment aligns with Alonso’s vision of a well-structured and proactive team where players operate in roles that maximize their effectiveness. Although Bellingham netted 14 goals last season, he sometimes appeared out of sync with Carlo Ancelotti’s more fluid system.
Alonso’s more disciplined tactical setup aims to make smarter use of Bellingham’s stamina and versatility, particularly in demanding competitions like the Club World Cup.
Real Madrid sees this tournament as both a testing ground and a strategic benchmark. If Bellingham thrives in the new position, it could solidify Alonso’s long-term plans. However, if the experiment doesn’t deliver, the club may look to strengthen the midfield in the next transfer window.
