How 'unique' Bellingham is thriving in Mourinho's system
September 4, 2026 08:08
Jose Mourinho has repositioned Jude Bellingham higher in Real Madrid’s setup this season, a change that has coincided with an eye-catching start: the 23-year-old has two goals and three assists as the club won its opening three La Liga matches.
What happened
Mourinho has deployed Bellingham primarily as a number 10 in a 4-2-3-1 formation, operating behind Kylian Mbappé and given the freedom to move across the attacking line. The manager says he altered the team’s organisation to cut the defensive workload that previously saw Bellingham “sometimes defend like a second left-back”. “I told him I do not want to see that anymore. I made a deal with him,” Mourinho said.
The change allows Bellingham to press higher, receive the ball between the lines, carry it forward, combine with the forwards and make late runs into the penalty area. Bellingham himself told Real Madrid TV: “I feel more free to decide when to drop back, when to stay up or when to get into the box. I think this is the best position for me.”
Context and form
Bellingham scored 23 goals in his debut 2023-24 season for Real as the club won La Liga and the Champions League. His last two campaigns were less consistent: he underwent shoulder surgery in 2025 and missed 10 matches in 2026 with a hamstring problem. He also finished the World Cup with seven goals and an assist in eight appearances for England, an experience Mourinho has pointed to when discussing how to get the best out of him.
Mourinho has described Bellingham as a “unique and super important player”, praising his physical, mental and tactical qualities and suggesting he should be in the Ballon d’Or conversation. Real’s three league wins so far have produced 10 goals and conceded two.
Why it matters now
The tactical tweak gives Bellingham clearer attacking responsibilities and reduces his defensive covering, which Madrid hope will let him apply his strengths closer to goal. The early results are positive, though Mourinho has noted the season’s demands will rise with Champions League football to come.
Source: BBC Sport Football