Real Madrid’s New Manager Xabi Alonso to Reposition Jude Bellingham for Club World Cup

Real Madrid’s new manager, Xabi Alonso, is set to deploy Jude Bellingham in a deeper midfield role for the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup clash against Al-Hilal, according to journalist Ruben Martin. This marks a significant shift from Bellingham’s previous role under Carlo Ancelotti, where he operated as an advanced attacking midfielder with the freedom to roam in the final third.

Alonso’s plan aims to maximize the 21-year-old’s versatility while improving the team’s overall balance. Bellingham’s experience playing in a double pivot for England makes him well-suited for this deeper role, where he can dictate tempo, break up play, and still contribute in the attacking phase when needed. The tactical experiment, set to be tested during the Club World Cup, could have long-term implications for Real Madrid’s squad planning.

A successful transition may reduce the club’s urgency to sign another central midfielder in upcoming transfer windows. Alonso’s decision reflects his preference for a more structured and controlled midfield setup, prioritizing positional discipline and fluid ball circulation. Bellingham’s energy, intelligence, and technical ability make him an ideal candidate for this adjusted role. While some fans may question moving one of the team’s top scorers deeper,

Alonso believes the change will enhance the team’s defensive solidity without sacrificing creativity. Bellingham’s ability to drive forward from deep could also add a new dimension to Madrid’s buildup play. The Club World Cup will serve as a crucial testing ground for this tactical tweak. If successful, it could become a staple of Alonso’s system going forward, reshaping how Real Madrid operates in midfield.

Bellingham’s adaptability has been one of his greatest strengths, and his willingness to embrace this new responsibility will be key to its success. His partnership with Aurélien Tchouaméni or Eduardo Camavinga in a deeper role could prove pivotal. Alonso’s managerial philosophy, influenced by his own playing career as a world-class midfielder, emphasizes intelligent positioning and tactical flexibility—qualities Bellingham possesses in abundance.

Should this repositioning work, it could also ease the burden on Real Madrid’s veteran midfielders like Luka Modrić and Toni Kroos, allowing them to be used more selectively as the transition to a younger core continues. The upcoming match against Al-Hilal will offer the first glimpse of Alonso’s vision in action, with Bellingham’s role being a major focal point. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if this tactical shift unlocks a new level of performance for both the player and the team.