Bellingham thrives in Mourinho's new system with two goals and three assists for Real Madrid

Jude Bellingham has opened the new campaign with the look of a man on a mission. The 23-year-old has registered two goals and three assists across the first three La Liga fixtures, a return that has propelled Jose Mourinho's Real Madrid to a perfect start. After two seasons disrupted by injuries and a deeper role, the English midfielder is once again making the difference in attacking areas.

How Mourinho has reshaped Bellingham's role at Real Madrid

Mourinho has deployed Bellingham primarily as a number 10 in a 4-2-3-1 formation, operating behind French striker Kylian Mbappe with freedom to drift across the attacking line. The aim is clear: reduce his defensive burden and push him closer to the opposition goal. The Portuguese coach admitted that last season Bellingham sometimes defended like a second left-back, and he made it known that was no longer acceptable.

I told him I do not want to see that anymore. I made a deal with him.

That agreement has unlocked the player. Instead of covering huge distances between defence and attack, Bellingham can now focus his energy on the areas where he is most dangerous. Mourinho puts it simply: when Bellingham plays as a six or an eight, the team loses his presence near the goal.

Why Bellingham feels influential again

Bellingham himself explained in an interview with Real Madrid TV that he now feels more control over when to drop back, when to stay forward or when to enter the box. That autonomy brings back the version of the player who dazzled the Bernabeu in his debut season, scoring 23 goals and helping the club win both La Liga and the Champions League.

The previous two campaigns had diluted his attacking impact. A long-standing shoulder problem required surgery in 2025, and a hamstring issue kept him out for ten matches in 2026. Now, after a World Cup with England where he recorded seven goals and an assist in eight appearances, the midfielder has returned at full fitness with renewed confidence.

The link-up with Mbappe and Vinicius Jr in attack

Bellingham's new position allows him to receive between the lines, drive forward, combine with the forwards and make late runs into the penalty area. Mourinho has stressed that the team dynamic must come before individual brilliance, insisting that football is about eleven players working together, not two plus nine. In that context, the Englishman's connection with Mbappe and Vinicius Jr has become a major weapon for Madrid.

When Madrid regain possession, Bellingham is already close to the attacking players. That helps to bridge midfield and attack while adding another option in dangerous situations. His ability to press high, win the ball back and join the attack makes him a rare profile.

Mourinho and Bellingham: a partnership built on trust

The understanding between the two has been evident from the very start. Bellingham described working with Mourinho as a dream, having only met the former Chelsea, Manchester United and Tottenham manager once before his appointment. The Portuguese coach has been generous with his praise, calling the midfielder a unique and super important player with mental strength, tactical ability and the skills to press, recover, score and contribute in the air.

Mourinho has even suggested that Bellingham should be among the contenders for the Ballon d'Or. His versatility allows him to influence almost every aspect of the game, and the new system highlights exactly what makes him special.

The World Cup template under Tuchel

The Real Madrid boss has also pointed to Thomas Tuchel's use of Bellingham at the World Cup as a reference. With England, the player operated from advanced positions and was able to showcase his attacking qualities without defensive restrictions. That experience gave him a confidence boost, even though he rejoined Madrid later than most of his teammates and had less time to prepare for the new season.

Madrid's start in La Liga, with ten goals scored and two conceded in three matches, is a small sample but a telling one. The demands will rise with Champions League football on the horizon, yet the early signs are highly encouraging. Bellingham is enjoying his football again and translating that joy into performances.

I'm having a lot of fun, I'm really enjoying my football, and that's why I'm performing well.

If he maintains this level with Mourinho's continued backing, this could turn out to be the best season of his career. The Englishman is smiling again, and Real Madrid are seeing the results on the scoreboard.