Bellingham’s Quiet Storm: Alonso’s Bold Blueprint to Reignite Real Madrid’s Star

Plan to Rebuild a Star

Jude Bellingham is navigating one of the most delicate spells of his Real Madrid tenure, as fans question his current level while he remains determined to recapture the form that wowed the world in his breakout season.

Yet coach Xabi Alonso appears resolved to back him to the end, drafting a precise plan to restore the English youngster's peak form without disturbing the balance of the team.

According to Marca, the crisis began in the Metropolitano derby against Atletico Madrid, when Alonso started Bellingham despite his recent return from injury.

The coach's decision stemmed from faith in his ability to shine in big occasions, but reality quickly hit: the English star looked off rhythm as Real Madrid slipped to defeat.

Even amid the criticism, Alonso did not waver; in the following two games, Bellingham sat on the bench, honoring a more cautious approach.

As Alonso said at the time: "After two more weeks of training, he will gradually regain his rhythm and be important in October... we have time now because he has lost a big chunk of pre-season."

And the player and coach also agreed to skip the England duty during the international window, with Tuchel saying: "He wanted to play, but he still lacks full rhythm."

From the initial burst to the tough dip

When Bellingham arrived at Real Madrid two summers ago, he brought a new breeze to the dressing room, scoring 23 goals and providing 13 assists, delivering the modern playmaking role that does not require touching the ball constantly to make his mark. He was the player capable of swinging games with pace and penetrating runs from the middle.

But the balance shifted with Toni Kroos's departure and the arrival of Kylian Mbappe, forcing a reordering of roles inside the squad.

Last season began with a setback, as he played deeper than his preferred area while recurring shoulder injuries persisted.

Yet he finished the season with solid numbers (15 goals and 13 assists), but the shine of his first season was missing. He looked more fatigued, less confident; the problem wasn't talent but position within the system, as Bellingham is not a traditional No. 6 or fixed No. 10, and needs space to attack freely toward the box.

Bold decision

After the Club World Cup, Bellingham opted for surgery that ended his pain and kept him out for three months, a move aimed at ending the soreness and returning fully fit.

His comeback arrived faster than expected, featuring appearances against Olympique Marseille and Espanyol just four days apart, reigniting the La Liga crowd's enthusiasm.

Yet the latest derby re-raised questions, as the player looked lost for about 70 minutes, becoming one of the standout names under fire.

Alonso's plan

Despite the doubts, no one in the coaching staff questions Bellingham's value. Alonso said: "After the injury, he improves day by day, and he's eager to play. He is a fundamental player thanks to his quality, work rate, and ability to change games. It's just a matter of time before he returns to his best."

His project centers on reintegrating the player without upsetting the balance the team established in his absence. With the front three firing, the coach plans to deploy Bellingham in midfield, allowing him to advance from deep and surprise opponents, a tactic that highlights his best traits.

The major challenge is balancing the team's tempo with Bellingham's individual rhythm so the two can coexist without stepping on each other's toes. If Madrid succeeds in absorbing his pace and he adapts to Alonso's system, he could reclaim his place as one of the club's key playmakers and one of the brightest talents of his generation.

Jude Bellingham joined Real Madrid in the summer of 2023 from Borussia Dortmund for around €103 million, with add-ons potentially lifting the total to €133 million.

Madrid beat fierce competition from clubs like Manchester City and Liverpool that chased the youngster after his standout displays in the Bundesliga and the 2022 World Cup with England.

From his arrival in the Spanish capital, Bellingham captured attention with humility and self-belief, vowing to help write history with Real Madrid; he promptly showed it by scoring in his first four La Liga games, delivering dazzling performances that had the Bernabéu crowd singing his name.

Thanks to his goal-scoring, creative ability, and leadership, he became one of the fastest players to adapt in the club's history, cementing his status as one of the brightest talents of his generation and a future pillar of Madrid's midfield for years to come.

Punchline 1: If patience were a weapon, Alonso just fired a full magazine. Punchline 2: When Bellingham finds his rhythm, Madrid’s midfield might finally come with a built-in metronome.