Alonso Confirms Bellingham’s Future Role in Real Madrid Midfield

New Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso has shared his plans for Jude Bellingham. The English midfielder will play in the midfield again under Alonso’s leadership. The Spanish manager is excited to work with the 21-year-old talent as he prepares to lead the team at the Santiago Bernabeu.

WHAT HAPPENED?

In his first press conference as Real Madrid manager, Xabi Alonso explained his plans for Jude Bellingham. “I see him in midfield,” Alonso said about the English player. “He’s a special talent; he can play anywhere. He will be very important for us.” The 43-year-old manager, who signed a three-year contract with Madrid, believes in Bellingham’s potential. He thinks it’s a great time to work with him and help him become even better.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Bellingham’s role at Madrid has changed a lot during his time at the club. After his €113 million transfer from Borussia Dortmund in 2023, Carlo Ancelotti first played him in an attacking position. Bellingham scored 23 goals and provided 13 assists in 43 games in all competitions. However, after Kylian Mbappe joined from Paris Saint-Germain, Bellingham moved to a deeper midfield role. He still managed to score 14 goals and provide 14 assists in 51 appearances during the 2024-25 campaign.

Alonso’s choice to keep Bellingham in midfield shows his intention to use the Englishman’s strong abilities in both defense and attack. He wants to make the most of the attacking talents of Mbappe and Vinicius Jr. The new manager has hinted he has specific ideas about how to use his top forwards.

WHAT NEXT FOR REAL MADRID?

Alonso will officially become Real Madrid’s manager on June 1, 2025. He replaces Carlo Ancelotti, who left to manage the Brazil national team. Alonso’s first matches as manager will be important, as they may shape how he builds his midfield around Bellingham. The Spaniard’s immediate challenge is to bring Madrid back to their usual success, after what was seen as a disappointing season in La Liga and the Champions League.

Besides Bellingham, Alonso needs to bring together other important players like Mbappe, Vinicius Jr, and new signings Dean Huijsen and Trent Alexander-Arnold. Aurelien Tchouameni, who is reportedly considered “untouchable” at the club, is another midfield option who may play a big role in Alonso’s plans alongside Bellingham. With these key players in place, the former Bayer Leverkusen manager will aim to bring Real Madrid back to the top of European football.