Jude Bellingham thriving in freer Real Madrid role under Jose Mourinho

Jude Bellingham said he is enjoying the freedom Jose Mourinho has given him at Real Madrid. His display against Málaga underlined his strong start and the growing fluency in Madrid's attack.Bellingham stars again as Mourinho's Real Madrid make it three from three. (Photo: Reuters)Jude Bellingham is flourishing in a more flexible role under Jose Mourinho, with the England midfielder producing another top-class performance as Real Madrid maintained their perfect start to the LaLiga season. Bellingham scored in the 4-0 win over Mlaga at the Bernabu on Sunday, taking his tally to two goals and two assists in three games.The 22-year-old opened the scoring in the 19th minute with a low finish from the right before playing a part in Madrid’s second, as his goalbound header proved too difficult for the Mlaga defence to keep out. Speaking to Real Madrid TV after the match, Bellingham explained why he is enjoying Mourinho’s tactical freedom.“Now I’m a bit more free, with the freedom to move further up, and drop deep if we need it.”“I’m enjoying it a lot. That’s why I’m playing well.” Bellingham had already scored in Madrid’s opening 2-1 win at Espanyol before creating two goals in the 4-1 victory over Real Sociedad. His latest display continued a strong start to life under Mourinho, with the midfielder appearing increasingly comfortable operating across different areas of the pitch.BELLINGHAM GIVEN FREEDOM TO ATTACKMourinho has encouraged Bellingham to resist dropping too deep, particularly into defensive positions on the left, while still allowing him to move backwards when the situation demands it. “He’s very demanding with himself, and with the rest,” Mourinho said. “I’ve told him that with my way of seeing football, I don’t want to see him playing as a second left-back.”The Real Madrid boss also pointed to Bellingham’s tendency to drop into deeper areas during his side’s Champions League victory over Madrid with Benfica, insisting the midfielder now understands what is expected of him.Bellingham’s attacking influence was again evident against Mlaga, while his performance earned him a standing ovation when he was substituted in the 87th minute.“It’s very special, always,” Bellingham said. “It’s an honour to play for this club, at this stadium. The ovation was really nice.”MOURINHO HAPPY WITH MADRID'S ATTACKMourinho has also been encouraged by the understanding developing between Bellingham, Kylian Mbappe and Vincius Junior. The trio have been given greater freedom to combine, with Mourinho dismissing suggestions that their styles could be incompatible.“Very good players want to play together,” Mourinho said. “All I see is that they’re all really good.”Madrid’s strength in depth was also on display as Mourinho made five changes to his starting XI, bringing in Marc Cucurella, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Antonio Rdiger, Eduardo Camavinga and Brahim Daz.“We have a really strong squad, a great team, with quality everywhere,” Bellingham said.Real Madrid will next travel to face Real Betis in LaLiga on September 4 at La Cartuja in Seville, before opening their Champions League campaign at home against Inter Milan on September 8.- EndsPublished By: Debodinna ChakrabortyPublished On: Aug 31, 2026 07:58 IST