Jude Bellingham has kicked off the new season with impressive performances, scoring two goals and providing three assists as Real Madrid secured three consecutive wins under their new manager, Jose Mourinho. The 23-year-old English midfielder appears more influential and free in a new role, reminiscent of his standout debut season at Real Madrid in 2023-24, when he scored 23 goals and helped the team win both La Liga and the Champions League. Bellingham’s form in the previous two seasons had been less consistent, partly due to a deeper role in the team and recurring injuries. He underwent shoulder surgery in 2025 and missed 10 matches in 2026 due to a hamstring injury. Now, he seems to be at peak fitness, building on the strong performances he showed during the 2022 World Cup with the England national team. Mourinho has made a key tactical adjustment by reducing Bellingham’s defensive responsibilities, which previously required him to cover large areas of the pitch. After Real Madrid’s 4-0 La Liga victory over Malaga, Mourinho explained, “I told him I do not want to see that anymore. I made a deal with him.” Instead, Bellingham is being used as a number 10 in a 4-2-3-1 system, operating behind French striker Kylian Mbappé with the freedom to move across the attacking line. This new role allows Bellingham to focus more on the areas of the pitch where he is most effective. In an interview with Real Madrid TV, Bellingham said, “I feel more free to decide when to drop back, when to stay up or when to get into the box.” While Mourinho still expects him to press and recover possession, the work now begins higher up the pitch, allowing Bellingham to use his energy more effectively. Mourinho has emphasized the importance of team cohesion, stating, “The team dynamic is about 11, not 2+9.” He has also praised Bellingham, calling him a “unique and super important player” with strong physical, mental, and tactical abilities, and suggested he should be in the running for the Ballon d'Or. Bellingham has described working with Mourinho as a “dream,” and the pair have developed an early understanding and mutual respect. Bellingham has expressed his enjoyment of the game, saying, “I'm having a lot of fun, I'm really enjoying my football, and that's why I'm performing well.” With Mourinho’s continued support, this could be Bellingham’s most successful season yet.