Bellingham rediscovers his best form as Mourinho's number 10

Jude Bellingham produced his most convincing display in months against Espanyol, giving Real Madrid fans a glimpse of the player who once tore LaLiga apart. He headed home the opening goal and later crashed a shot against the crossbar, a performance that recalled the electric form he showed in his debut campaign at the Santiago Bernabeu. The switch to a more advanced role under new coach Jose Mourinho appears to have unlocked the midfielder once again.

• Bellingham headed in Real Madrid's opener against Espanyol from an Arda Guler cross.
• He also struck the crossbar in the same match, underlining his renewed sharpness.
• Mourinho has repositioned him as a number 10, mirroring the role he played under Ancelotti.
• Xabi Alonso and Arbeloa had previously pulled him back into a deeper midfield role.
• Arda Guler and Bernardo Silva are rivals for that attacking-midfield spot, but face a wait if Bellingham keeps this form.

How Bellingham's role evolved at Real Madrid

Bellingham's arrival at Real Madrid in the summer of 2023 triggered an unexpected tactical shift. Carlo Ancelotti chose to push him higher up the pitch compared to his days at Borussia Dortmund, where he operated much closer to the center circle, far from the opposition box. In Madrid, the Italian coach used him almost as a second striker, giving him freedom to arrive late into the area and finish attacks. The result was an outstanding debut season that turned him into one of European football's biggest breakout stars.

The physical setback and tactical demotion that followed

After that spectacular first year, Bellingham's output dropped noticeably. Shoulder surgery kept him sidelined for several months, interrupting his physical progression and match rhythm. Upon his return, new head coach Xabi Alonso decided to drop him into a deeper midfield position to help with build-up play, a switch that reduced his presence near the opposition goal and reportedly did not sit well with the player himself.

Why Bellingham drew criticism during the Arbeloa spell

With Alvaro Arbeloa taking temporary charge after Xabi Alonso's departure, Bellingham continued operating closer to midfield than to the penalty area. That deeper role, far removed from his natural strengths of arriving late and finishing chances, coincided with a dip in form that made him one of the players singled out for criticism during that transitional period on the bench.

Mourinho's tactical tweak and its immediate impact

Mourinho's appointment brought a clear decision: restore Bellingham to the number 10 role, playing just behind Kylian Mbappe with freedom to attack the box. Against Espanyol, the Englishman debuted in that position with a headed goal and a crossbar strike, two moments that echoed his most prolific spell at the club. The Portuguese coach is banking on this positional change to bring back the decisive version of Bellingham seen during his first year in Madrid.

What this means for Arda Guler and Bernardo Silva

Bellingham's return to the number 10 spot has direct consequences for other squad members. Both Arda Guler, who provided the assist against Espanyol, and Bernardo Silva are natural options for that same role. However, as long as the Englishman keeps up this level of fitness and performance, Mourinho appears set to prioritize him there, leaving his competitors to fight for minutes elsewhere in the lineup.