Bellingham trims bulk as Real Madrid push for sharper pressing after shoulder surgery
England star reshapes physique under Real Madrid guidance to fit Xabi Alonso's high-press system following summer shoulder surgery
Jude Bellingham returned to Real Madrid action on Saturday, appearing leaner and sharper as he targets a more aggressive pressing role under Xabi Alonso. The England midfielder came on as a late substitute in Real Madrid's 2-0 La Liga win over Espanyol, marking his first minutes of the season.
Madrid officials have adjusted his conditioning since his shoulder surgery, after a dislocation that occurred in November 2023. He had bulked up to protect the joint, but the club has now asked him to shed muscle and sharpen his frame to improve agility and pressure in midfield. The transition aligns with Alonso's high-octane pressing style, and the player previously featured in a SKIMS campaign with Kim Kardashian.
In Madrid's performance view, Bellingham’s production figures have remained strong despite injury disruptions. In his first season after joining from Borussia Dortmund in 2023, he tallied 23 goals and 13 assists; in his second Madrid campaign, he delivered 15 goals and 15 assists, underscoring his continued impact even as he navigated rehab and a shift in conditioning.
The shoulder issue persisted until surgery in London during the summer, when he underwent an operation to repair the joint after years of dealing with a sling. He posted after the procedure to thank medical and support staff and to signal the road back to full fitness. He had remained with Madrid through the Club World Cup campaign, contributing a goal and an assist as the team advanced to the semi-finals before undergoing proper rehabilitation.
With the rehab progressing well, Madrid officials have penciled in a potential return to derby duty against Atlético Madrid later this month, and a Champions League group-stage showdown at Liverpool scheduled for November 4. If all goes to plan, Bellingham could re-emerge as a central figure in Alonso’s system, using a leaner frame to chase balls, press higher up the pitch, and restart Madrid’s cycles with renewed dynamism.