Could Mourinho build Real Madrid around Jude Bellingham?

Jude Bellingham has emerged as the most consistent member of Real Madrid’s attacking trio, with Kylian Mbappe again troubled by a knee problem and Vinicius Junior still working towards his best physical and athletic form.

The forward line remains a major source of hope for manager Jose Mourinho, but Bellingham is currently producing the most reliable performances, according to Marca. That assessment is not intended to diminish the importance of Mbappe or Vinicius Junior, whose influence is expected to grow as the season progresses.

However, while Real Madrid continue to search for their best rhythm, Bellingham has already made a strong impression for both club and country.

The England midfielder has scored three goals and provided two assists in eight competitive appearances for Real Madrid. His wider contribution includes a 91% passing accuracy, 52 ball recoveries, 52 wins from 84 duels and 12 key passes at this early stage of the campaign.

Mourinho restores Bellingham’s attacking freedom

One of the factors behind Bellingham’s revival appears to be the role given to him by Mourinho. Operating in a 4-2-3-1 formation, the Portuguese manager has used him as an attacking midfielder, positioning him closer to goal while allowing him to move between the lines.

The approach is designed to bring back one of the defining strengths Bellingham showed during his first season at Real Madrid: his ability to arrive in the area and make decisive choices in dangerous positions.

He scored 23 goals and supplied 13 assists during that campaign, a return that helped him finish third in the Ballon d’Or voting. Since then, his midfield responsibilities increased, while physical problems contributed to a season in which his attacking influence declined.

Mourinho now appears to have found a way to give him some of that freedom back. Bellingham will continue to contribute defensively and help build attacks, but his starting position is higher up the pitch. From there, he can make better use of his movement, dribbling and ability to find space inside the penalty area.

England also building around Bellingham

The system is different with England, but the principle is similar. Manager Thomas Tuchel is seeking to exploit Bellingham’s versatility and has even tried him as a centre-forward.

England’s coaching staff also want a more flexible team in which players can interchange positions. That approach was evident against Croatia, when Bellingham contributed to four of England’s seven goals by scoring once and creating three.

Manchester United legend Roy Keane was among those to praise him. While highlighting Bellingham’s quality on the ball, Keane placed particular emphasis on his work without possession and his ability to inspire those around him.

“He can become one of the best players of all time,” Keane told ITV.

The comment reflects the standing Bellingham now holds in England. He is no longer viewed simply as a young Real Madrid star, but as one of the leaders of an England side seeking to build its future around him. In Madrid, the feeling is increasingly similar.