Xabi Alonso ready to ditch preferred tactical blueprint at Real Madrid to accommodate Jude Bellingham with outgoing Bayer Leverkusen boss set to copy Carlo Ancelotti's approach

Xabi Alonso's 3-4-3 system has been synonymous with the Spaniard ever since his first season with Bayern Leverkusen. His success one of the major reasons why Los Blancos were pushing to have him appointed but fans may have to wait a while longer to see a new system in action. According to Diario AS, the current plan is for Alonso to inherit Ancelotti's 4-4-2 formation.

All this traces back to Bellingham's dip in in form this season, with the Englishman having scored nine league goals. That's a significant drop compared to his debut season in La Liga, where he netted 19 goals in 28 matches. The plan was to play him in a deeper role but following Alonso's arrival, Bellingham is now expected to be pushed higher up the pitch on the left of midfield, retaining his original position.

Bellingham is expected to undergo surgery after the completion of Club World Cup. The England international dislocated his left shoulder during a match against Rayo Vallecano in the first half of the season and has been in constant discomfort ever since. With the schedule as busy as ever for the Liga giants, the surgery was initially delayed, but now the situation needs to be resolved at the earliest opportunity.

The Xabi Alonso era has already started with the signing of Dean Huijsen from Bournemouth. Jonathan Tah and Florian Wirtz are reportedly also on his radar, with Alonso having managed the duo at Bayer Leverkusen. Wirtz in particular is in high-demand, with Bayern Munich, Liverpool and Manchester City all apparently chasing his signature, making it difficult for the Spaniard to clinch what would be a marquee signing. Madrid, with Ancelotti still in charge, complete their league season on May 24, when they will face Real Sociedad.