Newly-appointed Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso has explained the position that he views as the best fit for English star Jude Bellingham. The Spanish tactician claimed that he ‘sees’ the 21-year-old as a midfielder rather than an attacker.
Bellingham joined Real from German side Borussia Dortmund for a whopping €113 million fee in the summer of 2023. In his debut season at the Santiago Bernabeu, Carlo Ancelotti played him in an advanced position, further up the pitch than his normal box-to-box role.
The move paid off, as the Englishman racked up 23 goals and 13 assists in 43 appearances across all competitions. However, following the arrival of Kylian Mbappe on a free transfer from Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) last summer, he was moved back into the midfield.
Bellingham settled right back into his high-intensity midfield role, bagging 14 goals and 14 assists in 51 appearances in the 2024-25 campaign. Alonso, who is set to succeed Ancelotti at the helm, claimed that he would like for the English star to continue in the same position.
Speaking to reporters, the 43-year-old said (via Madrid Xtra):
With a galaxy of stars in midfield, Real Madrid‘s future in the middle of the park seems to be bright. Besides Bellingham, the likes of Federico Valverde, Aurelien Tchouameni and Eduardo Camavinga provide depth and versatility that could help Alonso achieve prolonged success in his tenure at the club.
New Real Madrid boss Xabi Alonso claimed that his appointment is the ‘start of an era’ at the club. During a speech at the club’s Valdebebas training ground on Monday (May 26), the Spaniard said (via BBC):
Alonso also outlined the goals he wishes to achieve during his time at the club, adding:
Alonso will officially take charge of Real Madrid on June 1, 2025.
A Borussia Dortmund fan, Aaryan had his first tryst with football during the 2014 FIFA World Cup. Despite his young mind being influenced by Lionel Messi’s exploits, his favorite World Cup moment is Cristiano Ronaldo’s stunning free-kick against Spain from the 2018 version. He strongly believes that Jude Bellingham and Florian Wirtz can replicate the Messi-Ronaldo rivalry due to their respective potentials.
Aaryan, who has been on commentary panels for football and cricket tournaments at his university, is a huge admirer of Achraf Hakimi for the Moroccan’s loan stint in Dortmund between 2018 and 2020. His favorite manager is Jurgen Klopp, who impressed him with his excellent tactical nous and benignant man-management skills.
When he is not scouring the internet for unique statistics, Aaryan follows the Indian Super League, the A-League, and the Saudi Pro League among others. He is an avid quizzer and debater, and a trained classical and western musician who likes to rock out for his college band, Euphony, as lead vocalist and guitarist.
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