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Mourinho shifts Bellingham to attacking role at Real Madrid

The England midfielder has recorded two goals and three assists in three matches under Real Madrid's new tactical setup.

Updated Sep 4, 2026 · 09:18 UTC1 reports

The short version

Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho has deployed Jude Bellingham as a central attacking midfielder in a 4-2-3-1 formation to reduce his defensive responsibilities.
Bellingham has contributed two goals and three assists across Real Madrid's first three matches of the season.
The tactical shift follows Bellingham's recovery from shoulder surgery in 2025 and a hamstring injury in 2026.
A key unknown is whether Bellingham can maintain this physical form and attacking production as Champions League fixtures add to the schedule.

Real Madrid won their opening three league matches of the season, scoring ten goals and conceding two under returning manager Jose Mourinho.[BBC News]
Jude Bellingham recorded two goals and three assists during Real Madrid's first three matches of the campaign.[BBC News]
Mourinho altered Real Madrid's structure to play Bellingham primarily as a number 10 behind Kylian Mbappe, aiming to limit his defensive tracking into the back line.[BBC News]
Bellingham underwent surgery for a shoulder issue in 2025 and missed 10 matches in 2026 due to a hamstring injury.[BBC News]

Whether Real Madrid and Bellingham can sustain their early attacking output over a full campaign as fixture congestion increases with European competition remains to be seen.[BBC News]

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.