England star Jude Bellingham is eager to return to his best form, having endured two disappointing seasons at the Santiago Bernabeu. Injuries have hindered his progress, but Bellingham has also struggled to find a defined role in the side since Kylian Mbappe's arrival.
Bellingham showed glimpses of his best form in England's opening game at the World Cup, scoring against Croatia, but he struggled against Ghana's deeper defense, as did many of his teammates. Despite not being a traditional playmaker, much of his most effective work has come operating off the front for Real Madrid.
Jose Mourinho's impending arrival at the club has been met with optimism from Bellingham, who is eager to work under the Portuguese manager. Mourinho will face the challenge of unlocking Bellingham's potential, a task that his predecessors Carlo Ancelotti and Xabi Alonso struggled with over the past seasons.
Under Alonso and Alvaro Arbeloa's management, Bellingham was used as a more traditional central midfielder, often operating as part of a two or three. Before that, he played on the left of a four under Ancelotti. The new coaching staff plans to deploy Bellingham as a number 10 behind the striker in a 4-2-3-1 formation, making him an integral part of the team.
The question remains whether this new role will suit Bellingham's strengths. Often, his most effective work has come with a reference point, such as a number nine. Nevertheless, the freedom to move in behind and roam through midfield presents opportunities for growth. Without a clear understanding of Mourinho's intended style, predicting Bellingham's performance will be challenging.
