Álvaro Benito says what many are thinking: 'When Jude Bellingham comes back...'

Jude Bellingham landed at Real Madrid in the summer of 2023 for more than €100 million and from day one he justified every cent paid.

His adaptation was meteoric: decisive goals in his first matches, dazzling quality, and an elegance in his ball control that made a difference.

With him in midfield, Los Blancos won the Champions League and confirmed that they had signed a generational talent.

The Englishman's impact was immediate not only because of his goal-scoring ability, but also because of his vision of the game.

Breaking lines with a precise pass or arriving from the second line to finish were virtues that fit perfectly into Real Madrid's system. However, his second season was very different from the first.

The operation that changed everything

For much of last season, Bellingham dealt with shoulder discomfort that limited his performance.

After the Club World Cup, the midfielder decided to undergo surgery, with an estimated recovery time of between three and four months. That break abruptly halted his progress, although now he is fully recovered and ready to shine again.

The news is fantastic for Madridists, but it is a headache for Xabi Alonso.

During his absence, Arda Güler took over his position and did so at an extremely high level. The Turk, just 19 years old, has stepped up and become a key piece of the team. Now the question is who will be left out when Bellingham regains his spot.

Álvaro Benito is clear about it

Álvaro Benito, former footballer and analyst, wanted to join this debate and did not hesitate to point directly at the young Turk.

According to him, Bellingham's presence in the starting eleven is unquestionable, which will force Xabi Alonso to sacrifice Güler.

"When Jude Bellingham returns, he's going to come in for Güler, there's no doubt. He's the weakest link because I think Tchouaméni and Valverde won't drop out of the eleven," he stated emphatically.

The opinion has sparked debate, as other experts believe that Güler's performance deserves continuity.

For many, the key is not who should leave, but how to reorganize the midfield so that both the Englishman and the Turk can coexist in the starting line-up.

Xabi Alonso's dilemma

The coach himself has assured that no one has a guaranteed starting spot, but that he values the talent and consistency of all his players.

With the demands of the season and the accumulation of matches, it seems logical that Bellingham and Güler will have quality minutes. However, the Briton will once again be undisputed sooner or later.

The situation is good news for Real Madrid: having two young stars competing for the same spot ensures a bright future in midfield.

Now the responsibility falls on Xabi Alonso, who will have to manage egos and rotations to keep the balance in a locker room full of talent.