Xabi Alonso Praises Jude Bellingham’s Impact and Ambition at Real Madrid

Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso has described Jude Bellingham as “key” to the team and expressed admiration for the English midfielder’s ambition and desire to improve, highlighting his crucial role in the squad’s recent success.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Xabi Alonso shared his thoughts about Jude Bellingham, emphasizing the midfielder’s importance and relentless pursuit of growth. Alonso said, “Jude Bellingham will continue to be key for us. I love what he does in midfield. He’s very ambitious, a player who always wants to improve, to keep growing. We’re eager to continue watching him grow and improve.” This comes at a time when Bellingham’s dedication and versatility have made him a fan favorite in Madrid, with supporters regularly singing his name for his energetic and fearless play in the center of the park.

BELLINGHAM’S SEASON SO FAR

Bellingham has delivered standout performances since joining Real Madrid. Despite playing through a shoulder injury for much of the year, he managed 38 goals and 27 assists across all competitions, showcasing his immense contribution even while not fully fit. His box-to-box style and knack for solving problems on the pitch have been vital for Madrid, especially in important matches as they chased trophies in both LaLiga and international competitions. Real Madrid finished the league strongly and advanced in the Club World Cup with Bellingham pivotal in their midfield setup.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR REAL MADRID AND BELLINGHAM?

Despite the high praise, Real Madrid faces a challenging period ahead. Bellingham will undergo surgery on his lingering shoulder injury after the Club World Cup, ruling him out for around four months and forcing him to miss the start of the 2025-26 season. Manager Xabi Alonso must now find a suitable replacement, with young midfielder Arda Güler tipped to step in during Bellingham’s absence. Madrid’s next competitive match will be without their influential Englishman, and the team must adapt quickly to stay near the top of LaLiga and compete in European fixtures until his return.