Xabi Alonso showered praise on Jude Bellingham, backing the Real Madrid star’s drive and quality to lead the charge at the Club World Cup.
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Alonso calls Bellingham 'key' to Madrid’s midfieldBoss impressed by 'ambitious' Jude and his all-action styleSpaniards face Salzburg in must-win CWC clashFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
Madrid boss Alonso praised Bellingham’s hunger and quality ahead of the club’s final Club World Cup group stage game against Red Bull Salzburg. With qualification for the next round in sight, the coach emphasised the need to win and highlighted Bellingham’s importance in midfield.
AdvertisementGetty Images SportTHE BIGGER PICTURE
Bellingham has been an integral player for Madrid since his arrival from Borussia Dortmund in 2023. He played a key role in Madrid's first victory of the Club World Cup, scoring in a 3-1 win against Pachuca, but the Spanish giants face a spell without the 21-year-old after he confirmed he will have surgery on a persistent shoulder problem. Alonso hopes to get the best out of him before then, though, and is counting on him to lead the charge against the Austrian side.
Getty Images SportWHAT ALONSO SAID
Alonso reserved special praise for Bellingham, highlighting his influence and mentality. He said: "He'll be key. I love what he does in midfield, how he's involved in every play, and he has a lot of quality. We saw that against Pachuca. We try to stay close to him; he's very ambitious, a player who always wants to improve, to keep growing. We're eager to continue watching him grow and improve."
Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR MADRID & BELLINGHAM?
Los Blancos face Salzburg in their final group game in Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia. A win guarantees top spot for the Spanish giants.