Real Madrid 2025-26 is under construction, and one of the main protagonists of the new project will be Jude Bellingham. With the desired arrival of Xabi Alonso to the white bench, the Englishman's future takes a radical turn. The Basque coach already has a plan to transform the midfielder into something more than a goal scorer.
In fact, what Xabi Alonso wants from him is for him to be the Xabi Alonso of 2026. The pivot who brings order to the midfield, the replacement Real Madrid hasn't found yet for Toni Kroos.
Bellingham has finished his first season as a Madridist with remarkable numbers: 13 goals and 12 assists, but he has also ended up physically exhausted and disconnected from the game in the last matches. Ancelotti has pushed the Englishman to the limit, something that won't happen with Xabi Alonso in charge.
the change starts with the formation
According to Alonso himself in his first press conference, his play style needs "midfielders who control the tempo, not just those who reach the box." That's where his vision for Bellingham fits: less explosiveness, more composure, a more cerebral "box-to-box" player and less of a finisher.
The Bayer Leverkusen coach wants to bring back the Jude who excelled at Borussia Dortmund by organizing, leading, and building plays from the back. Not just arriving from the second line, because he already has other players for the goals.
The idea is to move him away from the false striker role he has taken on this season. Place him as a complete central midfielder, where he can combine with Camavinga, Valverde, or Tchouaméni.
bellingham, delighted with the idea
Sources close to the locker room say that Bellingham has already spoken with Xabi Alonso and has shown great enthusiasm for the change. The Englishman wants to evolve as a player and knows that with the Basque coach he has a unique opportunity to grow in every way. In addition, he has valued the tactical proposal very positively, which is much closer to his football DNA.
This new role can also extend his career: less physical wear, more ball control, and less exposure to blows near the box. This is the plan Xabi Alonso has designed for Jude Bellingham to shine without burning out.
In short, Xabi Alonso's Real Madrid promises fewer fireworks... and more soccer.