Bellingham outlined the change in his role during an interview with Real Madrid TV.
“I have greater freedom to choose when to move deeper, remain further forward or make a run into the penalty area,” he said. “For me, this is the ideal position.”
Mourinho continues to demand that he applies pressure and helps regain possession, although he now performs those duties from a more advanced starting point.
Rather than retreating close to his own penalty box, Bellingham is able to channel his energy into challenging opponents higher up the field.
As a result, he is positioned nearer to the forwards when Madrid recover possession. This enables him to link the midfield and attack while offering another option who can exchange passes with Mbappe and Vinicius Jr.
This approach also clarifies why Mourinho has emphasized that Madrid’s attacking players must function as a coordinated unit instead of relying on individual efforts.
“The team’s structure depends on all 11 players, rather than two operating separately from the other nine,” he said.
The midfielder also called the opportunity to work under Mourinho a “dream”. Before the coach took charge, Bellingham had met the former Chelsea, Manchester United and Tottenham manager only once.
The pair already appear to have developed a strong sense of mutual trust and admiration.
Mourinho has frequently highlighted Bellingham’s central role in his plans, calling him an exceptional and vital member of the squad whose strengths span the physical, psychological and tactical aspects of the game.
He also indicated that Bellingham deserves to be considered among the leading candidates for the Ballon d’Or.
“He is an extraordinary type of footballer and a hugely valuable part of this side,” Mourinho said.
“I am delighted with his mental resilience, tactical awareness, ability to regain possession, intensity when pressing and contribution in advanced areas.”
What do you feel about this post?
Like
Love
Happy
Haha
Sad
