The footballing connection between Jude Bellingham and Vinicius Junior appears to have broken down. What had long been an open secret throughout the season is now emerging as one of the key challenges awaiting Xabi Alonso as he takes over the Real Madrid bench. After a first season in which both players, along with Rodrygo, formed a deadly attacking trio, the chemistry has faded. The arrival of Kylian Mbappé has altered the attacking dynamics, cooling a relationship that once brought countless joys to the Madrid faithful.

A Struggling Bellingham

It hasn’t been the best season for the English midfielder. Hampered physically by a shoulder injury which he reportedly plans to have surgery on after the Club World Cup his performance has dipped compared to last year. Furthermore, Mbappé arrival has pushed Bellingham into a more secondary role, forcing him to play deeper in order to accommodate the French star attacking presence.

Vinicius, meanwhile, has focused his efforts on building a stronger connection with Mbappé, leaving Bellingham somewhat sidelined. This attacking “short-circuit,” as revealed on El Chiringuito, is something Xabi Alonso will need to address urgently.

Bellingham hasn’t looked like the player from last season. Despite his effort, he has appeared lost on the pitch, particularly in attacking phases. He has been left out of the Vinicius-Mbappé partnership a dynamic that has also affected Rodrygo but it’s Jude who has shown the most visible signs of frustration. His body language has betrayed a sense of helplessness, as he has often seemed invisible to his teammates.

Over the course of the season, the Englishman has been sent off twice once in LaLiga against Osasuna and again in the Copa del Rey final versus Barça after the final whistle and he served suspensions for yellow card accumulation in both LaLiga and the Champions League. On top of that, he has been seen arguing on several occasions with Vinicius, whose attitude and effort in certain matches have been called into question. This lack of commitment has particularly angered Bellingham during crucial moments.

Xabi Alonso Faces a Tough Task

Xabi Alonso has a major task ahead in calming the tension between two of the squad most charismatic figures. He’ll need to create the right chemistry for the team’s attacking play to flourish. One of the key decisions will be whether to keep Bellingham as an attacking midfielder or drop him deeper into midfield to orchestrate play. That move would distance him further from Vinicius but it could also mean wasting Bellingham’s goal-scoring potential.

The new Madrid boss will need to rebuild offensive partnerships in a team full of talent but also full of egos. Restoring balance will be vital if Real Madrid hopes to continue dominating both domestically and in Europe.