Newly appointed Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso is reportedly planning to use Jude Bellingham in a new role in the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup. According to a report from Ruben Martin via Madrid Universal, Alonso wants to deploy the English superstar in a traditional midfield role.
Bellingham was mostly used as an attacking midfielder by former Los Blancos boss Carlo Ancelotti. The 21-year-old also recorded exceptional numbers in that role, becoming a major goal threat.
The English midfielder has racked up 37 goals and 27 assists in 94 appearances for Real Madrid till date. However, Xabi Alonso reportedly believes that Bellingham could offer even more if he plays a deeper role.
Alonso is reportedly looking to implement a system which offers more balance and fluidity and therefore wants Bellingham to play as a number eight. The coaching staff also believe that the Englishman’s positional shift would benefit Los Blancos on the pitch.
Bellingham already has plenty of experience playing as a number eight from his time at Borussia Dortmund. He has also played in a double pivot for England alongside Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice.
Alonso is reportedly ready to experiment with Bellingham in a new role in the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup. If the Englishman impresses in a deeper role, it would also save Real Madrid from the need to invest in another central midfielder.
Xabi Alonso was one of the best central midfielders of his generation and had a glittering career for club and country. He has made a name for himself in management with Bayer Leverkusen but we will have to wait and see how he fares at the Santiago Bernabeu under the spotlight.
Real Madrid superstar Jude Bellingham has named Zinedine Zidane as his dream teammate. Speaking to FIFA, the Englishman hailed the former France international and named him an ‘easy’ pick when asked to name his dream teammate. The former Borussia Dortmund star said, as quoted by GOAL:
Back in 2024, Bellingham revealed that he grew up watching Zidane’s clips on YouTube while speaking to Movistar. He also claimed that his father always wore Zidane’s Real Madrid jersey and admitted that he feels privileged to wear Zidane’s number five shirt. He said, as quoted by GOAL:
Bellingham has been excellent for Real Madrid since joining the Spanish capital club in 2023 from Borussia Dortmund. He has already won five trophies for Los Blancos and was named La Liga Player of the Season in 2023-24.
Snehanjan developed an interest in football at a very young age, thanks to his father watching football on TV. His favorite player is club legend Steven Gerrard and his favorite manager is another legend in Jurgen Klopp. The ‘Miracle of Istanbul’ i.e., Liverpool beating AC Milan in the 2005 UEFA Champions League final left an indelible mark on him. He believes that Liverpool is a family unlike other top clubs, which sets them apart.
Snehanjan also follows Indian Super League and the I-League, although the latter is closer to his heart. If he could change a rule in football, it would be VAR not pointing out mistakes of on-field officials unless they are clear and obvious errors. Outside the football world, Snehanjan likes to explore the various genres of music and watch movies and shows on OTT. He’s also a car enthusiast and likes to follow the automobile world.
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