Xabi Alonso plans to tweak Real Madrid talisman’s role at the FIFA Club World Cup | OneFootball

According to a recent report from Ruben Martin, Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso is planning a positional shift for Jude Bellingham, aiming to transition the English star into a more traditional midfield role rather than using him as an advanced attacker.

The move is expected to take shape during the Club World Cup, where Alonso intends to test Bellingham in a deeper position, with an eye on improving the team’s balance and overall fluidity.

Bellingham’s role at Madrid has evolved rapidly since his arrival, especially under former manager Carlo Ancelotti, who granted him freedom to roam in the final third.

However, Alonso sees things differently. The Spaniard, renowned for his tactical acumen and personal experience as one of the finest midfielders of his generation, believes Bellingham can offer much more when deployed slightly deeper on the pitch.

One for the team

The early belief within the new coaching staff is that Bellingham’s repositioning could benefit the team significantly.

Bellingham will play a deeper role at Club World Cup. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

Bellingham, who has played in a double pivot for the England national team, is seen as someone capable of bringing both energy and structure to Alonso’s midfield unit.

This tactical restructuring comes as part of a broader shift under Alonso, who is determined to redefine the way Madrid operates through the middle of the park.

The club’s technical reports align with this thinking, highlighting Bellingham’s ability to dictate play from deeper areas while still arriving in the box at the right moments, a dual-threat that could be vital to Madrid’s ambitions in 2025/26.

Should the Club World Cup experiment prove successful, it may also influence the club’s decision on whether to invest in another central midfielder during the summer window.

If Bellingham adapts well to his new responsibilities, it could save Madrid the need for further reinforcement in that department.