Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham is loving his new role at the club under Xabi Alonso as he can finally showcase his versatility at the centre of the park. The English midfielder is preparing to achieve a new landmark with Los Blancos when they take on European champions Paris Saint-Germain in the semi-finals of the Club World Cup.
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Bellingham thanked Alonso for new roleSet to play his 100th match for MadridLos Blancos face PSG in CWC semi-finalsFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
Bellingham, who has reached several impressive milestones since joining Madrid from Borussia Dortmund in the summer of 2023, is on the verge of unlocking a new achievement as he will appear in his 100th game for the club against PSG in the Club World Cup semi-finals.
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Ahead of the crucial clash, the 22-year-old told of his new role under Alonso: "It's different because every game I feel fortunate to be able to tactically analyze how I've played. I have different roles in the same game. I have defensive responsibilities and different ones with the ball. Every game is an opportunity to play differently. I like it when I look at the lineup and figure out where I'm going to play.
"I like that. As I've always said, I'll do whatever it takes for the team, no matter what position I play. One of my strengths is that I can play in different positions, and I like the coaches to see that in me. I can fulfill any role for them. I feel good, I can play comfortably. I want to make the team play well. We're a team that enjoys playing, as always, but especially with the new ideas and this renewed enthusiasm from the new coach and his staff. We're in a good place, and I'm enjoying this new phase."
Watch every game of the FIFA Club World Cup live on DAZNStream nowAFPTHE BIGGER PICTURE
In his 99 appearances for Los Blancos across all competitions, Bellingham has scored 38 goals and provided 28 assists, and the England international is hoping to represent the Spanish giants for many more years. He added: "I'm very proud to be able to achieve this. Everyone knows that 100 appearances for Real Madrid is a huge dream come true and a huge achievement. I can't believe what it means to play for this club. The level you have to be at, the effort you have to put in to play. Being able to represent this club 100 times is incredible, a huge achievement for me and my family. I hope there are another 100 to come. here are many dreams fulfilled. Winning the Champions League, La Liga, playing with incredible players, having played great matches, scoring important goals, achieving big goals.
"All of this is part of the dream of being a Real Madrid player. I want to continue achieving great goals. Helping the team win the two remaining matches, bringing the title back to Madrid, and continuing to perpetuate the club's dazzling greatness. The expectations are enormous because it's the biggest club in the world, but I love all of this and I'm convinced I want to be a part of it."
Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT?
Xabi Alonso's in-form Real Madrid side will hope to set up a Club World Cup final clash with Chelsea by beating Luis Enrique's fearsome PSG at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on Wednesday.
