Xabi Alonso learned his lesson the hard way in the Madrid derby when he rushed Jude Bellingham’s return to the starting lineup. Now, after several games and a much-needed international break, the Englishman’s presence demands a decision.
Following Real Madrid’s 3-1 win over Villarreal, Alonso fielded two key questions about Bellingham, who came off the bench in that game and nearly scored twice in a familiar attacking midfield role, the same position where he shined in the 2023/24 season.
The first question was about whether the upcoming international break, during which Bellingham was left out of England’s squad to continue his recovery, would finally allow him to return to full fitness and reclaim a starting spot. Alonso didn’t hesitate: “Definitely. After two weeks of training, he’ll be in much better shape. He’s going to be very important for us in October. We’ll use that time to make up for what he missed in preseason, and we have a packed schedule ahead.”
Xabi Alonso’s Bellingham “mistake”
The second question went straight for the jugular: would Alonso, looking back, repeat his starting eleven from the derby, a game in which Bellingham started but struggled badly? The coach smirked and replied, “That’s a well-asked question, but answering it wouldn’t really change anything... He’ll be better for the next stretch.”
That mischievous smile said more than the words. Alonso clearly wouldn’t make the same choice again.
His actions since have confirmed it. After the 5-2 defeat at Atlético, Bellingham started both the Kairat and Villarreal games on the bench. The match in Almaty involved some rotation, but Villarreal was different, an important league fixture. How could Bellingham be fit to start the derby but not that one? Madrid won regardless, but now, with the break over, Alonso knows there are no more excuses. Madrid must start clicking with Bellingham in the lineup. The Englishman changes everything.
The Bellingham question: who makes way?
That’s the puzzle facing Alonso now. Who loses their spot to make room for Bellingham?
Before the derby, most expected one of the young midfielders, Arda Güler or Mastantuono, to drop out. But the derby changed things. Güler was one of the few bright spots in that game, proving once again that with no new midfield signings over the summer, he’s indispensable alongside Tchouaméni, Valverde… and now Bellingham.
That leaves Mastantuono as the most vulnerable, especially now that Vinícius Jr. looks back to his best after scoring twice against Villarreal. The bigger question is tactical: will Alonso stick with his preferred 4-3-3, which helps with Madrid’s high press, or switch to a diamond-shaped 4-4-2 similar to Carlo Ancelotti’s system from 2023/24, the one that unleashed Bellingham’s attacking potential?
For now, there are more questions than answers. But one thing is certain: as Alonso heads into what he calls a “key block” of the season, with Getafe up next followed by visits from Juventus and Barcelona, everything in Madrid’s midfield now revolves around Jude Bellingham.
joweioptuz
16
Bring on the Elclassico 🙏