Real Madrid superstar Jude Bellingham is rediscovering his best form after a season in which he performed below his usual level.
The English midfielder began the campaign with a headed goal against Espanyol last weekend and then produced an excellent display against Real Sociedad, providing two assists, one for Kylian Mbappe and another for Vinicius Jr.
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Grateful to Mourinho
Speaking to Real Madrid’s official media, Bellingham discussed his new role and Jose Mourinho’s influence on his improved performances at the start of the new season.
“I feel more free again, more free to decide when to drop back, when to stay up or when to get into the box,” he explained.
“I think this is the best position for me, the one that allows me to show all my qualities. I’m really grateful to the coach for trusting me to play this way,” said the England international.
Bellingham close to his best under Mourinho. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)
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Talking about his assist to Mbappe in the 4-1 win over Sociedad on Wednesday, Bellingham said:
“It was more about instinct in truth. I think Kylian’s movement is what made the goal; all I had to do was put the ball in a good area for him.
“And since he’s so fast, he catches most balls, and his finish was brilliant too. For both goals, their movement made the difference.”
On his assist to Vinicius in the same game, Bellingham added: “Yes, I still had some energy left in the match, and we were going through a good moment where everyone was full of adrenaline and we were pressing excellently.
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“My shot was saved and I wanted to press high to win it back, and I think that’s one of the most important things in football when you lose the ball; to try to win it back as quickly as possible.
“I dribbled and Vinícius was there, so I passed it to him and he gave me a big hug saying ‘thanks,’ and that’s all there was to it.”
Building momentum
Bellingham also stressed the importance of starting the season strongly, particularly with the Champions League now getting underway.
“It’s very important to build momentum. Now we have a tough stretch with the start of the Champions League, the matches are piling up and it’s good to have made a good start,” he said.
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“A lot of new people have arrived, they have to settle in, and we have to keep going like this,”
Off to a fine start. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
The midfielder also highlighted the team’s intensity without the ball.
“We’re in a good moment and everyone has the adrenaline flowing. We’re pressing well, and one of the most important things is recovering the ball quickly when you lose it,” Bellingham added.
Praise for the new signings
Bellingham was also pleased with how the summer arrivals have adapted to the dressing room.
“They have made a very good impression on the group as people, which is the most important thing, and also as footballers. They are doing very well,” he said.
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He acknowledged that adapting to Madrid is never straightforward, particularly under a new coaching staff.
“It is not easy to arrive at a club with this level of pressure, with a new coach and a new staff. There are so many things, and they are adapting without any problems. It is a joy to have them here.”
