Both the former and current Real Madrid coaches - Carlo Ancelotti and Xabi Alonso - are excellent central midfielders and have won the UEFA Champions League while playing.
They not only have the knowledge to arrange Real Madrid's playing structure in the way they find it suitable, but also have a special understanding of how the midfield will operate most effectively.
Throughout the past season, after Toni Kroos retired, Ancelotti was eager to use Jude Bellingham as a midfielder, maintaining cohesion, as well as adding some of his signature goals. The Italian captain failed to realize the plan because he did not trust Bellingham in one single problem.
In fact, it is not that Bellingham cannot meet Ancelotti's requirements. On the contrary, the reason is that the English midfielder always has a strong desire to do everything.
If he doesn't have the ball, Bellingham will immediately find a way. If danger appeared, he would immediately take action and react to rescue the home team. When he sees an gap, or an opportunity to pull the opponent out of position, he will rush away, but it often comes with risks.
Alonso will of course be worried about the former Dortmund midfielder's playing style. Los Blancos are likely to lose their balance and connection, as evidenced by the defeats to Barcelona and Arsenal last season. Teams can often punish Real Madrid based on the fact that if they lose the ball, their positions on the pitch are not guaranteed.
Until the "White Vultures" can sign a truly excellent holding midfielder, Alonso will have to be determined to teach Bellingham to move more skillfully.
This will be a battle. At just 21, Bellingham is a world-class player in every aspect of the game, except for the above limitations. And of course, when he has to change his playing instincts, Bellingham will not easily accept it.
Alonso is a great communicator, extremely intelligent, but also very decisive when necessary. The plus point is that there was evidence in the win over Pachuca that this message was at least recognized by Bellingham.
"abi Alonso and I talk a lot every day. Alonso is a great coach. He showed us that he has a lot of good ideas for how to play, how to defend and how to attack.
All of that will be extremely important for the new era he is starting," the England midfielder said after the win over Pachuca at the FIFA Club World Cup.
These words are very good. It refers to the combination of emotions and faith. It conveys the belief that, at the right time, progress will come.
This will be a change in attitude towards Bellingham. It will not be easy, and there will be "collisions" between the coach and this star.
If Real Madrid can add an understanding of position and discipline to a player who is already a star, Bellingham's potential is almost limitless. But talking is always easier than doing.
Part of Bellingham's beauty and prominence is when he sees opportunities and grasps them.
"I want my team to perform as a team, both in terms of how they put pressure and how they play. This will give us stability and then allow us to have the individual qualities that make the difference. I want my team to understand what we should do with and without the ball.
Bellingham, in my team, is a midfielder. I want him to be as effective as possible. He is at a good age for learning and working. The best thing for a manager is to have great players. Everything else will be my problem at that time," Alonso said ahead of the tournament in the US.
The message is very clear: Alonso admires Bellingham's qualities but still needs to improve.
But there is still another small problem. Thomas Tuchel, England coach, who also had to find a way to use Bellingham, wanted the young star to play as close to the goal as possible.
The German will use Bellingham behind the striker or in the No. 9 position as often as possible. This is a different role change from what Bellingham is required to at club level.
This will be an interesting challenge for the English player. But again, it won't be easy. In fact, Bellingham will temporarily be unable to play due to a shoulder injury. However, the upcoming period is also an opportunity for him to observe and learn before testing directly on the field.
