New Real Madrid boss Xabi Alonso labelled Jude Bellingham an ‘exceptional player’ and confirmed he will use him as a midfielder.
Bellingham, a central midfielder by trade, was predominantly used in his preferred position this season and registered a combined 28 goals and assists from 51 appearances across all competitions for the Spanish giant
3
However, the England international featured 13 times as a left midfielder and one on the right as former Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti tried to cram all of his superstars into the starting line-up.
But Alonso, who made over 230 appearances for Los Blancos during his playing days, declared he wants Bellingham in his engine room.
“Bellingham is in a good position to work with,” Alonso said at his unveiling after he was confirmed as the new Madrid manager.
“I see him as a midfielder. We’ll strive to make him as effective as possible.”
Alonso also expected Bellingham to be a vital part of the club for several years to come.
“Bellingham can be special anywhere,” Alonso said.
“He’s an exceptional player.
“His emergence marks a milestone in Real Madrid’s history.
“He’s 21 years old and will be a key element in the club’s future projects.”
Since Bellingham arrived at the Santiago Bernabeu, he has scored 37 goals and bagged 27 assists in 94 total appearances.
3
The 21-year-old has also won 5 trophies, including a LaLiga title and the Champions League.
Questions will inevitably turn to how Bellingham and the rest of Madrid’s superstars will fit into Alonso’s preferred 3-4-2-1 formation.
Should Alonso stick to his favoured set-up, Bellingham is certain to feature as one of the two attacking midfielders or in the bank of four.
Bellingham will hope to replicate the numbers of Bayer Leverkusen star Florian Wirtz as the German flourished in an attacking midfield role under Alonso.
In the 2023/24 campaign, Wirtz finished with 18 goals and 20 assists as Leverkusen won their maiden Bundesliga title, the DFB-Pokal and finished as runners-up in the Europa League.
The 22-year-old continued his remarkable form in the 2024/25 season with 16 goals and 15 assists, although Leverkusen were unable to defend their Bundesliga crown.
3
Wirtz’s remarkable form under Alonso generated plenty of buzz amongst Europe’s elite and he is now poised to join Liverpool in the summer.
talkSPORT understands Wirtz has agreed personal terms with the newly-crowned Premier League champions.
However, it may take some time before a deal between the clubs is thrashed out given Leverkusen are hoping to recoup as much as £125m for Wirtz.
