As Jude Bellingham prepares to make his return to the pitch following a shoulder surgery, Real Madrid faces critical decisions ahead of a demanding schedule. The 22-year-old midfielder has been sidelined since mid-September but has made five appearances since his comeback against Espanyol, where he contributed to a 2-0 victory. Coach Xabi Alonso, who has been vocal about his hopes for Bellingham’s reintegration into the squad, saw the player struggle during the recent match against Atlético Madrid—a game that the entire team failed to perform in. Since that encounter, Bellingham has not been included in the starting lineup, as reported by AS.
With the international break now concluded, Madridistas are gearing up for a crucial week that includes matches against Getafe, Juventus, and FC Barcelona. The pressure is mounting for Alonso to effectively incorporate Bellingham back into his tactical setup. The team’s recent adaptations have seen players like Arda Güler and Franco Mastantuono step up in midfield during Bellingham’s absence, but the return of the England international adds complexity to the coach’s plans.
Tactical Considerations for Bellingham’s Reintegration
Xabi Alonso is faced with a pivotal question: how to best utilize Bellingham within his current system? The manager may opt to adjust his formation—potentially moving away from the established 4-2-3-1 setup that has been employed in recent weeks. With Bellingham’s versatility, he could fit into various roles; whether as a playmaker in a double pivot or as part of a three-man midfield, options abound. The tactical flexibility could also see formations shift to 4-3-3 or even a diamond 4-4-2.
The Impact of Bellingham’s Absence
The time spent without their star midfielder has forced Real Madrid to adapt their style of play significantly. While Güler and Mastantuono have shown promise, the return of Bellingham is expected to elevate the team’s performance levels. His creative flair and ability to dictate play are qualities that have been sorely missed. Alonso’s challenge will be to strike the right balance between integrating Bellingham and maintaining the momentum built by other players during his absence.
As Real Madrid gears up for these high-stakes fixtures, fans will be eagerly watching how Alonso navigates this tactical conundrum. Will he prioritize experience and skill by reinstating Bellingham as a starter? Or will he continue with a system that has recently seen success? The answers will unfold in the coming weeks as Los Blancos aim for glory both in La Liga and the Champions League.
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