Jose Mourinho Eyes Advanced Playmaker Role for Jude Bellingham at Real Madrid

Jude Bellingham pictured in action for Real Madrid (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)

England international Jude Bellingham is eager to return to peak form after two underwhelming campaigns at the Santiago Bernabéu. Injuries have played a part, but he has also lacked a clear position since Kylian Mbappé’s arrival.

Bellingham displayed flashes of his quality in England’s World Cup opener, scoring against Croatia, yet he struggled against Ghana’s deeper defensive block, a difficulty shared by many of his teammates. Although not a classic playmaker, his most effective moments for Real Madrid have often come when he operates off the striker.

Mourinho’s Vision for Bellingham

Bellingham has already said he is thrilled to work under Mourinho next season, and the Portuguese coach will be charged with unlocking his potential—something Carlo Ancelotti and Xabi Alonso have found challenging in recent years. Under Alonso and Álvaro Arbeloa this season, Bellingham has been deployed as a more conventional central midfielder, frequently appearing in a double or triple pivot. Prior to that, under Ancelotti, he occupied the left side of a midfield four. According to The Athletic, Mourinho intends to use him as a number 10 in a 4‑2‑3‑1 formation, positioned just behind the striker, and aims to make him a key component of the squad.

Will the Role Suit Bellingham?

The main question is whether Bellingham will thrive playing behind Kylian Mbappé. Historically, his best performances have come when he has a reference point as a number nine—think Joselu in his debut season or Harry Kane for England. Nonetheless, the liberty to drift into advanced areas and roam through midfield could play to his strengths. Without a clear picture of Mourinho’s tactical approach, forecasting Bellingham’s impact remains uncertain.

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