Xabi Alonso will solve the problem with Bellingham, there will be someone singled out

Xabi Alonso to Fix Bellingham’s Form — One Starter Likely to Be Dropped

The coach says Jude Bellingham will improve with more training, but his return may force Xabi to choose who sits out from a crowded midfield.

Real Madrid are pleased with their LaLiga leadership, but Xabi Alonso knows the margin for error is shrinking with El Clásico approaching. Central to his plans is getting Jude Bellingham fully back to his best after shoulder surgery and the limited preseason that followed.

Alonso stressed the importance of more training time for the England international: “On the return, with two more weeks of training, he will be better day by day and will be important for October. We have that time now because he missed a large part of preseason. We have an intense schedule ahead with Getafe, Juve, Barcelona…”

Put Bellingham in the rhythm

The coach is clear — integrating Bellingham into the squad’s rhythm is almost mandatory if Madrid are to show an improved version of themselves. Xabi and his staff are working to restore the midfielder’s condition and influence on the pitch after the disrupted build-up.

Someone will make way

However, Bellingham’s inclusion will likely mean a change to the starting XI. The player expected to give up his spot could be Arda Güler, Franco Mastantuono, or — less likely but possible — Fede Valverde. That decision is keeping Xabi and his team busy: all three offer different strengths and contribute significantly, yet Bellingham brings unrivaled quality and leadership that the coach values highly.