Real Madrid have managed to perform better than many expected despite missing several key players. Even without stars like Kylian Mbappé, Jude Bellingham, and Éder Militão—who could return after the international break—coach Álvaro Arbeloa has managed to keep the team competitive, even outperforming sides led by managers such as José Mourinho, Pep Guardiola, and Diego Simeone during this stretch.

However, the situation is about to change. After the international break, both Mbappé and Bellingham are expected to return in better match condition. The plan between the club and their national teams is for them to gradually get playing time, which means Arbeloa will likely have to adjust the starting eleven that has been performing well in their absence.

Bellingham’s role remains one of the biggest tactical questions. During his time at Madrid, he has played in several positions. Under Carlo Ancelotti, he surprisingly thrived as a second striker close to the penalty area after Karim Benzema left the club, leaving the team short of natural forwards. With Mbappé’s arrival, Bellingham spent much of last season operating behind the French star and Vinícius Júnior, although he was also occasionally deployed on the left flank. Even under Xabi Alonso, he has not always had a clearly defined role.

In Bellingham’s absence, Arbeloa has used a more balanced midfield structure without a fixed number 10. The creative responsibility has been shared among Federico Valverde, Arda Güler, and Thiago Pitarch.

Mbappé’s return could push Brahim Díaz out of the starting lineup, but the midfield situation is less straightforward. One possible solution would be for Bellingham to replace Brahim, though that would require a tactical adjustment because the Englishman’s strengths do not naturally fit the right-wing role typically occupied by the Málaga-born attacker.

Arbeloa previously suggested that Bellingham and Pitarch could play together, but that scenario could place the younger academy graduate under pressure in the competition for places. At the same time, it is difficult to imagine a starting lineup without either Aurélien Tchouaméni or Valverde. Another possible option would be to rotate Güler, although the Turkish midfielder has recently been playing deeper in midfield, a role in which Bellingham has not always excelled.

Valverde is not expected to lose his place permanently, but the short-term outlook could change due to his suspension following the red card he received in the derby after a challenge on Álex Baena. The Uruguayan is facing a one-match ban, which could temporarily open the door for Bellingham’s return to the starting eleven.

********************************************************

You can now download the Madridista News App for free on the Apple Store and Google Play.

You can follow us on Facebook here.

You can follow us on X (Twitter) here.                                                                    

You can follow us on Instagram here.

You can subscribe to our YouTube channel here.

You can follow us on Telegram here.

You can follow us on TikTok here.

You can join our WhatsApp channel here.