The Madrid derby was supposed to be a test of courage and confidence, but it turned into a harsh lesson for both Jude Bellingham and Real Madrid’s new coach, Xabi Alonso. When Alonso decided to start Bellingham from the beginning of the match, it seemed like a statement of faith — a way to show trust in one of the team’s most talented players. But the decision quickly proved costly.
The English midfielder, who had only recently returned from injury, looked far from his usual self. He lacked rhythm, sharpness, and the spark that made him a sensation in his debut season in Spain. Against Atletico, where intensity and speed are at their highest, Bellingham looked lost. He struggled to find space, mistimed his runs, and failed to link up effectively with his teammates. Real Madrid suffered a heavy defeat, and the decision to start him came under immediate scrutiny.
Xabi Alonso Admits His Mistake
After the match, Xabi Alonso did not try to hide his disappointment. The Basque coach admitted that he had made a mistake by rushing Bellingham’s return. In the next two games, he left the Englishman on the bench, opting for a more cautious approach.
Speaking to the media, Alonso explained his reasoning. “After another two weeks of training, he will look better every day. He will be an important member for us in the second half of October. Now he has to catch up because he missed pre-season training,” he said.
This was an honest admission from a coach still learning about his players and their limits. Alonso’s decision to give Bellingham time to rebuild his physical condition reflects a thoughtful and patient attitude. He knows that pushing a player too early can cause more harm than good, especially when it comes to someone as central to Madrid’s future as Bellingham.
Interestingly, Jude himself agreed to step back temporarily. After discussions with his medical team and former Bayern coach Thomas Tuchel, he decided not to join the England national team for upcoming fixtures. This move was aimed at ensuring a full recovery and avoiding further setbacks.
The Next Two Weeks: A Crucial Period
The coming weeks will be decisive for Jude Bellingham. He has been working tirelessly at Valdebebas to regain full fitness and rediscover his rhythm. Everyone at Real Madrid — from the coaching staff to his teammates — hopes to see the version of Bellingham that dazzled La Liga during his first season.
When he arrived from Borussia Dortmund, the young Englishman made an immediate impact. In his debut season, he scored 23 goals and registered 13 assists. His influence went far beyond statistics. Bellingham became a symbol of energy, leadership, and confidence. He played as a midfielder who could change games without needing constant possession. His intelligent runs, precise passing, and late arrivals into the box made him a nightmare for defenders.
However, much has changed since then.
A New Era at Real Madrid
The departure of Toni Kroos and the arrival of Kylian Mbappé have reshaped the balance of Real Madrid’s midfield. Last season, Bellingham often had to play in a deeper, more defensive position. While he adapted well, this shift reduced his attacking influence. He was still productive, finishing the campaign with 15 goals and 13 assists, but he no longer carried the same electrifying energy that had once defined him.
As the season wore on, fatigue became noticeable. The problem was not Bellingham’s quality, but his role. He is not a typical deep-lying playmaker who controls tempo from midfield. His greatest strengths come when he can move freely, attack space, and time his runs into the penalty area. When confined to a holding role, his creativity is limited and his impact fades.
The Shoulder Surgery and Recovery
After the Club World Cup, Bellingham made a difficult but necessary decision: he underwent surgery on his shoulder, which had been troubling him for months. He wanted to solve the problem once and for all rather than continue playing through pain.
His recovery went surprisingly well. Within weeks, he was back in light training, and much sooner than expected, he was named in the squad for Real Madrid’s match against Marseille. Just four days later, he appeared on the pitch again, this time against Espanyol. His return gave fans hope that the worst was behind him.
But the derby against Atletico changed the mood once again. For 70 minutes, Bellingham looked off-pace, hesitant, and disconnected from the team. It was clear that he needed more time to fully return to his best condition.
The Fear of Losing His Place
Bellingham’s biggest concern now is losing his automatic place in the starting lineup. He has always been seen as one of Real Madrid’s untouchables — a player too important to be benched. Yet football moves quickly, and new systems or players can alter the team’s dynamics.
Despite this, Xabi Alonso has publicly backed him. “He is gradually improving after his injury and has a great desire to play. He is key for us due to his quality and unpredictability. It is only a matter of time before he returns to the highest level,” the coach said.
These words show Alonso’s trust and long-term vision. He understands that Bellingham is still adjusting after surgery and after missing the entire pre-season. Patience is required. The goal is to bring him back gradually without damaging the balance the team has developed in his absence.
Finding the Right Role Again
Alonso’s tactical challenge is to reintegrate Bellingham in a way that benefits both the player and the team. Real Madrid’s structure has evolved since his injury, and forcing him back into his old role too quickly could disrupt the system.
The coach wants Jude to play as a central midfielder with the freedom to support the attack. This means combining creativity with discipline — being involved in build-up play but still having the license to make those signature runs into the box.
The key to success will be harmony. Real Madrid needs to rediscover Bellingham’s rhythm, while Bellingham must adapt to the slightly new version of Madrid that emerged during his absence. It will take time, communication, and understanding from both sides.
The Road Ahead
For now, Jude Bellingham is focused on one goal: returning to his best form. He knows that expectations are high, but he also knows he has already proven himself capable of meeting them. His first year at Real Madrid showed what he can do when fully fit and confident.
The next few weeks will test his resilience and patience. With proper management and continued support from Alonso and his teammates, Bellingham can soon rediscover the version of himself that stunned Spain and Europe alike.
As Real Madrid prepares for the challenges ahead, fans are hopeful that the young Englishman will soon shine again. His story is far from over — it’s only entering a new chapter, one that will require hard work, faith, and rediscovered balance.
If Bellingham finds his rhythm again, Real Madrid will not just regain one of their best players; they will recover a symbol of the team’s fighting spirit and creative brilliance. For now, all eyes are on October — the month that could mark Jude Bellingham’s true return.
