Bellingham’s future in Madrid’s XI causes Xabi Alonso doubt

What to Do with Bellingham? Welcome to the debate surrounding Real Madrid’s next coaching staff. Should they focus Jude Bellingham more narrowly and unlock his creativity? Or should they free him up, let him roam, and get back into the box? Maybe the answer lies in a compromise—one so neutral it could give a Swiss goosebumps.

This, that, maybe the other. The debate rages on as the hourglass runs down toward a new era. The key question remains: What to do with Bellingham next season? Where to play him? That is the question.

Let’s start with the formation. At present, Xabi Alonso appears to favour a four-man defence. That’s a shift from the eye-catching five-man backline that would have turned Real Madrid inside out. No final decisions have been made—because they can’t be. Not until preseason starts and ideas are tested on the training ground. But for now, a four-man defence is the likelier setup.

Will Jude Bellingham continue to play on the left?

And this, ladies and gentlemen, might actually simplify the Bellingham conundrum. Tchouaméni and Valverde would serve as the double pivot—the engine room’s main cogs. That makes the default solution clear: Bellingham would continue operating in the role he’s filled most of this season, drifting in from a left-sided position. A starting point. A base camp. But to call him a left winger? That’s a leap across a galaxy, not just a step across the pitch.

Because football, as we know, is volatile. And Xabi Alonso’s brand of football? It’s been like a bottle of Coke packed with Mentos—explosive, disruptive, different. But for now, Plan A looks like this: Bellingham starting from the left. The real question is: What kind of instructions will he receive from there?

With a front line of Mbappé and Vinícius almost certain, there’s no shortage of firepower. But midfield support will still be essential.

More of a creator or a goalscorer?

And here lies the heart of the debate: Should Jude be asked to lean more into his creative instincts? Or should he stretch himself once again into the attacking midfielder who netted 23 goals in his debut season with Madrid? The two roles aren’t entirely compatible. The discussion is alive and well.

There are also questions about his individual form. The dip he’s experienced this season has raised a small red flag. It might be premature to call it a major concern—but it’s definitely a concern. Bellingham hasn’t quite been himself. And Madrid wants that Bellingham back.

The one with the finesse, the power, the killer instinct. The leader.

So, as Xabi Alonso prepares to take over—his appointment will be confirmed after Ancelotti’s final game this Saturday—the new coaching staff is already deep in discussion. The tactical picture points toward a four-man defence. And it likely points to Bellingham starting from a left-sided role. But what he’s told to do from there? That’s still the great unknown.

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Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the great debate of Real Madrid’s next era. Hey Jude, what to do with you?

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