Mbappe faces UNCERTAIN Real Madrid role after Ancelotti's Bellingham admission

Cameron Smith

• Updated: 26 May 2024 12:06 CDT
• 3 min read

Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti has hinted that Jude Bellingham’s role will not change next season, despite the arrival of Kylian Mbappe.

Bellingham, 20, joined Los Blancos for an initial €103 million last summer and has been used in a false nine position for the majority of his first campaign in the Spanish capital.

Despite excelling as a box-to-box number eight during his time at Borussia Dortmund, Bellingham has been utilised in a far more advanced position by Ancelotti, and England manager Gareth Southgate has also opted to deploy the Birmingham City academy graduate in this role.

READ MORE: Real Madrid make signing to provide Mbappe competition

Toni Kroos’ shock retirement announcement led to theories that Bellingham would play a deeper role at Real Madrid next year to facilitate the German’s exit.

Furthermore, by using the Englishman in a midfield three, Ancelotti could deploy Vinicius Junior, Rodrygo and Mbappe as a formidable front three.

However, the former Chelsea and AC Milan boss has admitted that Bellingham’s role is unlikely to change during the 2024-25 season.

Ancelotti told the media (as per Get Football News Spain): “Bellingham as Kroos’ heir? No, I think not. The closer Bellingham is to the penalty area the better for us. We have other midfielders.”

READ MORE: Real Madrid have a MAJOR Kylian Mbappe problem

Where will Kylian Mbappe fit in?

With Mbappe arriving, it was expected that Bellingham would be used in a midfield trio, perhaps alongside Aurelien Tchouameni and Federico Valverde.

This would, however, limit his attacking freedom somewhat and Ancelotti’s comments suggest that Bellingham will be encouraged to crash into the penalty area at every possible opportunity yet again next season.

That is unlikely to happen from a more traditional midfield role, suggesting Bellingham will receive protection from three midfielders behind him, like he has done this year.

As a result, Mbappe will likely compete with Vinicius Jr and Rodrygo for the two remaining spots in Real Madrid’s starting XI.

Given Vinicius has shone off the left flank, Mbappe may have to be shifted to the right - a position he hasn’t played since his first season at PSG.