Jude Bellingham shines with two goals under Jose Mourinho at Real Madrid

Jude Bellingham has made a striking impact at Real Madrid this season, scoring two goals and providing three assists in the team's first three matches under new manager Jose Mourinho. The 23-year-old midfielder has thrived in a more advanced role, contributing to Madrid's perfect start to the La Liga campaign.

This resurgence comes after a challenging couple of seasons for Bellingham, marked by injuries and a deeper playing position that limited his attacking influence. Previously, he struggled with a shoulder issue that required surgery in 2025 and a hamstring injury that sidelined him for ten matches in the 2026 season. Now, back to full fitness, he is looking to build on his impressive performances from the World Cup and recapture the form that saw him score 23 goals in his debut 2023-24 season.

Mourinho's tactical shift has been crucial to Bellingham's revival. The manager has moved him into a number 10 position in a 4-2-3-1 formation, allowing Bellingham to operate closer to the goal and reducing his defensive responsibilities. Mourinho emphasized this change after a 4-0 victory over Malaga, stating that last season's demands on Bellingham to defend deep were counterproductive. By positioning him higher up the pitch, Bellingham can now focus on attacking and connecting with forwards like Kylian Mbappe.

Bellingham himself has expressed satisfaction with this new role, feeling more empowered to decide when to drop back or remain forward. This adjustment not only enables him to use his energy more effectively but also positions him closer to the forwards when Real Madrid regains possession. As Bellingham continues to find his rhythm in this role, his contributions will be critical in the team's pursuit of success in both La Liga and the Champions League.