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Xabi Alonso reveals Real Madrid role change for Jude Bellingham - with England international stepping out of No.10 berth

FIFA Club World Cup

Real Madrid

Al Hilal

<p>Having bid farewell to Champions League-winning coach Carlo Ancelotti, another familiar face has been welcomed into the dugout at Santiago Bernabeu. Former Blancos midfielder <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/unstoppable-force-xabi-alonso-real-madrid-coach-tribute-carlo-ancelotti/bltb4d5ae4b563a93b1" target="_blank">Alonso has returned to his homeland</a> after overseeing title glory during his time at Bundesliga side Bayer Leverkusen.</p>

WHAT HAPPENED?

<p>World Cup winner Alonso is understandably keen to put his own stamp on a side that surrendered domestic and continental crowns in 2024-25. More <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/trent-alexander-arnold-ballon-dor-dream-almost-impossible-ex-real-madrid-bernabeu-transfer-liverpool/blt3076a5cb1c21ef02" target="_blank">movement on the transfer front is expected</a>, while legendary playmaker <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/cristiano-ronaldo-heartfelt-honour-message-luka-modric-croatian-confirms-decision-leave-real-madrid/blt0fe77cd188072114" target="_blank">Luka Modric is leaving as a free agent</a>.</p>

THE BIGGER PICTURE

<p>It is in the middle of the park that Bellingham operates - with a further 14 goals and as many assists added to his tally in the season just gone - and he will be <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/xabi-alonso-real-madrid-jude-bellingham-bayern-leverkusen-carlo-ancelotti/bltdd81c91dc3ccd993" target="_blank">pulled back from a No.10 berth under Alonso</a> in a bid to make the most of his energy in Real’s engine room.</p>

DID YOU KNOW?

<p>Alonso has told reporters of Bellingham: “He can be special anywhere because he’s a special player. His eruption is that of an era-defining player for Real Madrid. He’s 21 years old I think and will be fundamental to the club’s future projects.</p><p>“The feeling I get is that he is in a good place and good moment to work with him. I see him as a midfielder. We’ll try to make him as efficient as possible.”</p>

WHAT XABI ALONSO SAID

<p>Bellingham hit 23 goals during his first season in Madrid, as he led from the front, but Real now have <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/kylian-mbappe-offered-iconic-no-10-shirt-real-madrid-luka-modric-exit-follow-footsteps-luis-figo-mesut-ozil/blt6a5c7f580e0f5d08" target="_blank">French sensation Kylian Mbappe to lead the line</a> and - fresh from Golden Boot and Golden Shoe successes - his presence will allow Bellingham to sit a little deeper in 2025-26.</p>

WHAT NEXT FOR JUDE BELLINGHAM?

Xabi Alonso reveals Real Madrid role change for Jude Bellingham - with England international stepping out of No.10 berth | Goal.com

Xabi Alonso has revealed that Jude Bellingham will see his role tinkered with slightly as Real Madrid prepare to usher in a new era.

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