Jude Bellingham cut a frustrated figure last season for Real Madrid but boss Xabi Alonso has been told how to get the best out of the England star.
- Real Madrid told how to get best out of Bellingham
- Los Blancos failed to win silverware last season
- Xabi Alonso has now taken charge of team
WHAT HAPPENED?
Bellingham enjoyed a stunning first season at Real Madrid, winning La Liga and the Champions League, but found his second campaign in the Spanish capital more challenging. The England star saw his role in the team tweaked, due to the arrival of Kylian Mbappe, and Los Blancos ultimately ended the season empty-handed.
CA Osasuna v Real Madrid CF – La Liga EA Sports
Xabi Alonso has now arrived as manager and has told Bellingham he sees him as a midfielder, suggesting he will move out of his No. 10 role. Former Real Madrid Victor Sanchez del Amo is in agreement and says Bellingham must revert to his previous role in midfield if Alonso’s side are to thrive next year. Del Amo also thinks the change will help improve Bellingham’s behaviour on the pitch.
WHAT SANCHEZ DEL AMO SAID
Sanchez del Amo told The Sun: “I really saw a change in Bellingham in his second season. In the first season he was outstanding, playing in his natural position as a midfielder with a free role to move through the central corridor. But last season, he played many times as a left midfielder. He had a different tactical role and he wasn’t happy there. Real had lost Toni Kroos and didn’t replace his role in the build-up play. They struggled for balance between defence and attack. Bellingham realised that and tried to help the team by dropping his position, but this was also uncomfortable for him.
“You could see that his body language on the pitch was very different. In the first season he always showed a great fighting spirit, helping his team-mates, supporting everyone and leading on the pitch. But in this second season he had different behaviour. He spent a lot of time complaining, got more cards and picked fights with opponents.
I felt he was not happy in his new role — and that showed. Last season Real signed Kylian Mbappe but it was difficult to find balance because he and Vini Junior like to occupy the same spaces. They are not natural strikers, so many times Real had nobody in the box. They would get into crossing positions but the box was empty. Be llingham can improve that. He has a huge capacity to score goals.”
WHAT NEXT FOR BELLINGHAM?
Real Madrid CF v Athletic Club – La Liga EA Sports
Bellingham will be hoping to lift the Club World Cup with Real Madrid this summer. The England international and Los Blancos kick off their tournament on Wednesday against Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal.
