Xabi Alonso Explains Why He ‘Needs’ Jude Bellingham Back in Real Madrid Starting XI

Bellingham Back in Contention for Madrid Derby

Few fixtures in Spanish football carry the weight, the emotion, and the intensity of the Madrid derby. Real Madrid against Atletico Madrid is never just another league game; it is a battle for city pride, for bragging rights, and often for a decisive advantage in the race for trophies. This season’s first clash between the two capital giants arrives at a fascinating time, with Real Madrid enjoying a flawless start under Xabi Alonso and Atletico looking to prove their resilience at the Metropolitano. Yet the headline leading into this clash isn’t only about the rivalry—it’s about Jude Bellingham.

The 22-year-old England international has returned earlier than expected from shoulder surgery, and Xabi Alonso made it very clear in his pre-match press conference: Bellingham is not just an option, he is essential. “I need his flexibility and versatility,” Alonso said. “Some players are more static, and Jude is not one of them.”

With Bellingham now back in contention, the stakes of the derby rise even higher. But what does his return really mean for Los Blancos, and why is Alonso so keen to have him back in the starting XI? Let’s dive deeper.

Bellingham’s Injury Setback and Remarkable Recovery

Real Madrid CF v RCD Espanyol de Barcelona – LaLiga EA Sports

For much of the past two seasons, Jude Bellingham’s shoulder has been the silent storyline behind his brilliance. While dazzling fans with goals, assists, and all-action performances, he was often playing through pain. A recurring dislocation of his left shoulder forced him to wear protective strapping and manage his minutes carefully. The situation reached a breaking point in July, following Real Madrid’s painful exit from the Club World Cup, when the club and player agreed surgery was the only solution.

Initial reports suggested he would miss at least three months, with late October marked as the most realistic return date. The surgery was considered straightforward, but recovery times with shoulders are notoriously tricky. Few expected Bellingham to feature in September, let alone in one of the season’s biggest fixtures. Yet here we are: the Englishman has already featured off the bench twice this campaign and is now in line to start against Atletico Madrid.

This rapid return speaks volumes not just about the medical team’s work but also about Bellingham’s mentality. Those close to him describe an obsessive dedication to recovery, a refusal to accept the idea of missing too much football. For Alonso, this mindset makes Bellingham an invaluable piece in his tactical puzzle.

Why Alonso ‘Needs’ Bellingham in His Starting XI

When Alonso stepped into the dugout at Real Madrid, he inherited not only a squad rich in talent but also the burden of expectation. Madridistas demand victories, style, and trophies. To achieve this balance, Alonso has leaned heavily on versatility in midfield—players who can adapt to different roles depending on the opponent.

This is where Jude Bellingham becomes more than just another star. Alonso described him as an “attacking midfielder” who contributes both in the build-up and the final third. Few players in world football cover as much ground with the same level of technical precision and physical intensity as Bellingham. He can press like a defensive midfielder, glide through lines like a box-to-box engine, and arrive in the penalty area with a striker’s instinct.

“We have to get the most out of him so that he can be decisive,” Alonso explained. For Madrid, this means Bellingham is not a luxury but a necessity. Against Atletico, where space is tight and battles are fierce, his ability to break lines, create chaos, and deliver decisive moments could tilt the balance.

The Derby: A Litmus Test for Madrid’s Depth and Rotation

Levante UD v Real Madrid CF – LaLiga EA Sports

Alonso’s challenge this season is not just about winning games but about managing the physical and mental demands of a long campaign. Real Madrid are chasing a perfect record in La Liga while also eyeing dominance in the Champions League. This requires careful rotation, but as every coach knows, some matches demand your very best.

The Madrid derby is one of them.

Atletico Madrid under Diego Simeone remain a side built on discipline, aggression, and tactical sharpness. They thrive on disrupting opponents, on dragging teams into uncomfortable spaces. To counter this, Real Madrid need dynamism in midfield—not just technical passing but players willing to fight, run, and create in equal measure.

Bellingham offers exactly that. His return allows Alonso to adjust his midfield combinations more freely. Alongside Eduardo Camavinga, Federico Valverde, or Aurélien Tchouaméni, he can transform the rhythm of Madrid’s play. He can support Vinícius Júnior and Rodrygo in attack while also covering defensive gaps when Atletico push forward. Simply put, his presence makes Madrid harder to predict and harder to contain.

The Psychological Edge of Bellingham’s Return

Beyond tactics and fitness, football often turns on psychology. For Real Madrid supporters, seeing Jude Bellingham back in the starting XI is a massive lift. His energy, charisma, and visible hunger inspire teammates and fans alike. Last season, even while struggling with his shoulder, Bellingham was often Madrid’s emotional heartbeat—scoring late winners, celebrating with passion, and showing a maturity beyond his years.

For Atletico, his return is a headache. Simeone and his staff would have been preparing for a midfield battle without Bellingham’s dynamism. Now, they must account for him. Even if he is not yet at 100 percent match sharpness, his presence alone changes the equation.

This psychological element is why Alonso was so clear: he doesn’t just want Bellingham available, he needs him.

What’s at Stake in the Madrid Derby

Real Madrid come into the derby with a perfect record in La Liga. Momentum is on their side, but derbies often defy form. Atletico will view this as the perfect opportunity to derail their rivals’ momentum and send a message of their own. For Alonso, maintaining the winning streak is about more than points—it’s about asserting dominance in the title race early on.

In this context, Bellingham’s versatility becomes priceless. He is not only a midfielder; he is a link between Madrid’s creative play and their ruthlessness in attack. His ability to arrive late in the box makes him difficult to mark, while his pressing helps disrupt Atletico’s attempts to play out from the back. Every detail matters in a derby, and Bellingham provides more than one.

Looking Beyond the Derby: Champions League Ambitions

While the Madrid derby is the immediate focus, Alonso and his staff will already be thinking ahead. The Champions League group stage looms, and Real Madrid have set their sights on re-establishing European dominance. Squad depth will be tested, and Alonso will need to manage minutes carefully. Having Bellingham back earlier than expected is a major boost for this broader objective.

In Europe, where games are often decided by individual brilliance in tight contests, Bellingham’s skillset could prove decisive. His performances last season showed he can thrive on the biggest stage, and Madrid will count on him to deliver again.

Conclusion: A Crucial Return for a Crucial Moment

As Real Madrid prepare for their showdown with Atletico at the Metropolitano, all eyes will be on Jude Bellingham. His early return from surgery is not just a medical surprise—it is a footballing gift for Los Blancos. For Xabi Alonso, the decision is clear: this is a player he doesn’t just want, but one he truly needs.

Whether Bellingham starts or comes off the bench, his influence on the derby could be decisive. His presence symbolizes more than fitness; it represents Madrid’s ambition, resilience, and hunger to dominate both domestically and in Europe. In a game where fine margins decide everything, having Jude Bellingham back might just make all the difference.