Mourinho wants the World Cup version of Real Madrid superstar next season

Mourinho wants the World Cup version of Real Madrid superstar next season Jude Bellingham has been one of England’s standout performers at the World Cup , rediscovering the form that first made him a star at Real Madrid. Now, according to Mundo Deportivo , that is exactly the version of the midfielder that Jose Mourinho wants to build around when he takes charge of the Spanish giants. The Portuguese coach sees Bellingham as an attacking midfielder, operating behind the striker, where his ability to arrive late in the box and influence the game can have the greatest impact. A return to his best position It was Carlo Ancelotti who initially deployed Bellingham in that advanced role after his arrival at Real Madrid, a decision that proved hugely successful during the 2023/24 season. Playing close to goal, the England international became one of the team’s decisive players and played a major role in the club’s success. Big-game player. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images) However, that version of Bellingham gradually disappeared. A shoulder injury interrupted his momentum, and both Ancelotti and later Xabi Alonso and Alvaro Arbeloa began using him in a deeper midfield position, moving him further away from the opposition penalty area. England showing the way Mourinho believes that England are once again demonstrating where Bellingham can be at his most influential . Operating as an attacking midfielder, the 23-year-old has combined creativity with an impressive goal threat, scoring four goals during the World Cup. Following his match-defining brace against Mexico in the Round of 16, the Englishman now has four goals and an assist to his name at the tournament. Back to his best. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images) His performances have reinforced the Portuguese coach’s belief that Bellingham is most effective when given the freedom to play closer to the forwards. Part of Mourinho’s tactical plan Even before Bellingham’s outstanding displays for England, Mourinho had already planned to use him behind Kylian Mbappe. The coach’s tactical idea is to position Bellingham in the line of three attacking midfielders ahead of a double pivot, allowing him to support the striker while arriving from deep to create and finish chances. His performances at the World Cup have only strengthened Mourinho’s conviction that this is the ideal system to bring back the very best version of Bellingham at Real Madrid next season.