Bellingham: "I'm very grateful to Mou for the freedom he gives me"

Jude Bellingham has hit the ground running this season. The English midfielder opened his scoring account on matchday one with a header against Espanyol, and in the second league fixture against Real Sociedad he delivered two assists that led to goals from Kylian Mbappé and Vinicius Junior. After two campaigns in which his performances had dipped below expectations, the England international says he feels like a protagonist on the pitch again and credits much of that change to Real Madrid's new coach, José Mourinho.

• Bellingham scored a header on matchday one against Espanyol.
• Against Real Sociedad he provided two assists for Mbappé and Vinicius.
• The Englishman says he feels freer to decide when to drop back, stay high or get into the box.
• He highlights how quickly the new signings have settled into the dressing room and the team's style.
• He sees building momentum as crucial before the start of the Champions League.

Bellingham's new role at Real Madrid

In an interview with the club's official channels, Bellingham explained in detail how his role within the team has changed. The midfielder places special value on the trust Mourinho has given him to move intelligently across different areas of the pitch and choose the best option in every play.

I feel freer again, freer to decide when to drop back, stay high or get into the box. I think this is the best position for me, the one that allows me to show all my qualities. I'm really grateful to the coach for trusting me to play this way.

That tactical freedom has quickly translated into attacking production. Against Real Sociedad, Bellingham appeared in finishing and final-pass positions, connected with the forwards and showed that his understanding with Mbappé and Vinicius can be one of Madrid's biggest weapons this season. The Englishman not only adds goals and assists: he also gives shape to the team's high press and contributes late runs from midfield.

A strong start built with the Champions League in mind

Bellingham makes no secret that the schedule gets tougher in the coming weeks. With the start of the Champions League and the pile-up of fixtures, the midfielder believes it is essential to have built good feelings in the opening rounds of LaLiga. That cushion of confidence, he says, makes it easier to face the most demanding matches.

It is very important to build momentum. Now a tough stretch is coming with the start of the Champions League, the games pile up and it is good to have a strong start.

The midfielder also focused on the team's defensive intensity. For Bellingham, winning the ball back quickly after losing it is one of the keys to Madrid's strong moment, a trademark he wants to maintain throughout the season. With that constant pressure, Madrid reduce the opponent's time in possession and generate more chances close to the rival box.

How the new signings are settling in

Kylian Mbappé leads the list of Real Madrid arrivals, but he is not the only new face in the dressing room. Bellingham made a point of praising the attitude shown by all the reinforcements, both on a personal and a sporting level. For him, that quick integration is vital at a club with Madrid's demands.

They have made a very good impression on the group as people, which is the most important thing, and also as footballers. They are doing really well. It is not easy to arrive at a club with this pressure, with a new coach and a new staff. There are many things to take in and they are adapting without problems. It is a joy to have them here.

The Englishman says the squad is full of adrenaline and that the positive atmosphere in the dressing room is visible on the pitch. That chemistry between veterans and newcomers has been evident in the opening matches, with a fluid attack and a coordinated press that excite Madrid fans ahead of a season packed with titles.

Bellingham back to his best form

After two inconsistent campaigns, this season's start brings back the image of the most decisive Bellingham. His first goal came from a set piece on matchday one, a header that opened the scoring against Espanyol. Seven days later, against Real Sociedad, he did not score but he did direct Madrid's attack with two assists that sealed the victory.

That combination of late runs, vision and work without the ball makes the Englishman an essential piece in Mourinho's system. The Portuguese coach has found in Bellingham a player capable of adapting to different heights on the pitch and connecting the two wide forwards with the midfield. So far, the results could not be more positive.

Frequently asked questions about Bellingham and Real Madrid