Real Madrid legend tips Alonso on best position for Jude Bellingham

Real Madrid legend Michael Salgado has expressed his desire for manager Xabi Alonso to deploy Jude Bellingham in the advanced attacking role similar to how Carlo Ancelotti utilised him during his first six months at the club. Salgado referenced Bellingham's exceptional debut LALIGA season, where he scored 19 league goals, with the majority coming early on while operating as a false nine or in a slightly withdrawn position near the box.

Speaking in an interview, Salgado explicitly advised against using Bellingham deeper in build-up play, stating, "I need Bellingham close to the box. I don't need Bellingham coming back to receive the ball... He showed in the first year that he is a player with a special smell to go into the box." Salgado predicts Alonso will adopt this approach, positioning Bellingham as the key player behind forwards Vinicius Junior and Kylian Mbappe.

Salgado believes this tactical shift will showcase "the best version of Bellingham this year," leading to a different and superior performance compared to last season. Meanwhile, the article notes that Alonso himself is a strong admirer of Bellingham. Ahead of Real Madrid's Club World Cup fixture against Salzburg, Alonso specifically highlighted Bellingham's drive to improve as a key characteristic that will help the club win many trophies.