Xabi Alonso's Vision: Midfield Maestro to Anchor Real Madrid's Reshuffle

Following a surprising draw in their Club World Cup opener, Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso is already mapping out significant adjustments for his squad. In a recent press conference, Alonso candidly admitted that numerous aspects of the team require improvement, even hinting at moving players from their current positions. This strategic pivot includes a key figure: Jude Bellingham.

While Bellingham has undeniably played a pivotal role for Real Madrid since Carlo Ancelotti's departure, Alonso clearly has a different vision for the Englishman. Despite his impact, Bellingham isn't the traditional defensive midfielder ("number 5") Alonso seeks. The coach aims to revert to the primary reason Bellingham was brought to the club: to be the absolute core of the midfield, dictating play and driving the team from a more central, deep-lying position. This shift is crucial for Alonso to implement the tactical revolution he envisions for the Merengues.

Alonso's Strategy for the Next Match

Within Real Madrid, there's absolute conviction that time and consistent work under Alonso's guidance will unleash Jude Bellingham's best version. The British midfielder is seen as an absolutely gravitational figure in the Basque coach's plans, both for the immediate future and the long-term success of this new project. The belief at Valdebebas is that while changes are never easy to assimilate, the logical roadmap for a player of Bellingham's immense qualities necessitates patience across the board.

As Real Madrid prepares for their next challenge against Pachuca, Alonso's strategy will likely focus on:

• Bellingham's New Role: Expect to see Bellingham operating in a deeper midfield role, tasked with greater responsibility in distributing the ball, breaking up opposition attacks, and initiating Real Madrid's offensive plays from the heart of the pitch.
• Enhanced Midfield Control: Alonso aims to establish a stronger, more cohesive midfield unit. This might involve tactical adjustments to ensure better collective pressing and more fluid transitions, allowing the team to control games more effectively.
• Patience and Adaptation: Despite the urgency after the draw, Alonso stressed that the team will evolve through matches. The focus will be on continuous improvement, with each game serving as a stepping stone towards becoming the cohesive unit he desires by the tournament's end.

The upcoming match against Pachuca will be a critical test of Alonso's new strategic direction, with all eyes on how Bellingham adapts to his redefined role as Real Madrid looks to regain its winning momentum in the Club World Cup.