The England midfielder, who has been a key figure since his arrival, recently sent a message of gratitude and respect to Alonso, acknowledging the fresh direction the former Real Madrid and Liverpool star has brought to the team.

Bellingham’s role under Alonso differs from the more attacking freedom he enjoyed during Carlo Ancelotti’s tenure. Previously deployed often as a second striker or advanced midfielder, Bellingham scored an impressive 38 goals in two seasons by surging into the final third.

Now, with Alonso’s arrival, the focus has shifted towards a more balanced and controlled style of play. The young midfielder is expected to sit deeper, contributing to both defensive solidity and orchestrating play from midfield in a system inspired by Alonso’s successful time coaching Bayer Leverkusen.

Adapting to Alonso’s Vision

Bellingham has embraced this evolution with enthusiasm, expressing his willingness to play wherever the team needs him. He explained that Alonso’s new style emphasizes playing between the lines and maintaining control of the game, while also seizing opportunities to accelerate attacks when possible.

“With this new style, we want to play between the lines, to have control of the game, but Xabi insists that we not lose the ability to attack the goal when we have the opportunity to accelerate the game,” Bellingham said.

His admiration for Alonso is clear. The midfielder praised the coach’s energy, communication, and football intelligence, highlighting how Alonso’s active involvement on the touchline inspires the players.

“Xabi is a very nice person; he has a great way of communicating with the players. What attracts me most about him is his energy towards football. He’s very active, always moving and involved, which allows him to see and feel the game better,” Bellingham remarked.

Eyes on the Club World Cup and Beyond

As Real Madrid competes in the FIFA Club World Cup, Bellingham is determined to help kick off Alonso’s reign with silverware. The team recently secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Juventus, with Bellingham playing a pivotal role alongside stars like Kylian Mbappé and Trent Alexander-Arnold.

As Bellingham approaches his 100th appearance, the England international’s journey at the Bernabéu continues to captivate supporters eager to see how this promising chapter unfolds.