Real Madrid News
Mourinho wants the World Cup version of Real Madrid superstar next season
Jude Bellingham has been one of England’s standout performers at the World Cup, rediscovering the form that first made him a star at Real Madrid.
Now, according to Mundo Deportivo, that is exactly the version of the midfielder that Jose Mourinho wants to build around when he takes charge of the Spanish giants.
The Portuguese coach sees Bellingham as an attacking midfielder, operating behind the striker, where his ability to arrive late in the box and influence the game can have the greatest impact.
A return to his best position
It was Carlo Ancelotti who initially deployed Bellingham in that advanced role after his arrival at Real Madrid, a decision that proved hugely successful during the 2023/24 season.
Playing close to goal, the England international became one of the team’s decisive players and played a major role in the club’s success.
However, that version of Bellingham gradually disappeared.
A shoulder injury interrupted his momentum, and both Ancelotti and later Xabi Alonso and Alvaro Arbeloa began using him in a deeper midfield position, moving him further away from the opposition penalty area.
England showing the way
Mourinho believes that England are once again demonstrating where Bellingham can be at his most influential.
Operating as an attacking midfielder, the 23-year-old has combined creativity with an impressive goal threat, scoring four goals during the World Cup.
Following his match-defining brace against Mexico in the Round of 16, the Englishman now has four goals and an assist to his name at the tournament.
His performances have reinforced the Portuguese coach’s belief that Bellingham is most effective when given the freedom to play closer to the forwards.
Part of Mourinho’s tactical plan
Even before Bellingham’s outstanding displays for England, Mourinho had already planned to use him behind Kylian Mbappe.
The coach’s tactical idea is to position Bellingham in the line of three attacking midfielders ahead of a double pivot, allowing him to support the striker while arriving from deep to create and finish chances.
His performances at the World Cup have only strengthened Mourinho’s conviction that this is the ideal system to bring back the very best version of Bellingham at Real Madrid next season.
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid key midfielder ready to start vs Atletico Madrid after strong return from injury
Real Madrid have had a few injuries to contend with since the start of the season, with Aurelien Tchouameni, Thiago Pitarch and Endrick all serving spells on the sidelines.
The trio are back in training now and looking to work their way into Jose Mourinho’s plans after a disrupted pre-season.
Now, according to Alberto Pereiro, Tchouameni appears to be winning the race to return to Real Madrid’s starting XI for the derby against Atletico Madrid.
The 26-year-old is said to be in the best physical condition of the players who have recently returned from injury.
Thiago Pitarch, Endrick and Tchouameni all rejoined team training last week, but the Frenchman is currently considered the most match-ready of the three.
Tchouameni ahead in the recovery race
As such, Tchouameni is now expected to start against Atletico Madrid later this week. That would be an important boost for Mourinho considering the physical nature of the game in store.
Tchouameni gives Real Madrid something very specific in midfield. He can protect the defence, compete in duels, cover large spaces and provide the kind of structure Mourinho values when matches become chaotic.
His return would also allow Real Madrid to approach the game with more balance around Federico Valverde and the attacking players ahead of them.
Mourinho has always valued his profile
Mourinho has been careful with Tchouameni’s recovery rather than rushing him back before he was fully ready.
That patience now looks set to pay off. Madrid have enough technical quality in midfield, but against Atletico, the game is unlikely to be decided by possession alone.
The ability to win second balls, close transition spaces and survive physically intense periods could be just as important.
This is exactly where Tchouameni thrives.
Pitarch and Endrick may need more time
The latest update also suggests Pitarch and Endrick are slightly behind Tchouameni in terms of physical readiness.
That does not necessarily mean either player is unavailable, but it would make sense for Mourinho to manage their minutes more cautiously. The duo are expected to be fully ready after the international break.
Pitarch still has an important role to play in a crowded midfield, while Endrick will be looking to re-establish himself in the attacking rotation after his own injury interruption.
For the derby, neither of those players is likely to be an option for the XI, but Tchouameni will definitely be a great addition.
If he does start, it would underline how highly Mourinho values him in the biggest matches. At the Metropolitano, Madrid may need Tchouameni more than anyone else, and it remains to be seen how things play out.
