Bellingham has defined the distinction himself in an interview with Real Madrid TV.
“I feel more free to decide when to drop back, when to stay up or when to get into the box,” he stated. “I think this is the best position for me.”
Mourinho nonetheless expects him to press and recuperate possession, however the distinction is the place that work begins.
Instead of dropping deep in the direction of his personal penalty space, Bellingham can now use his vitality to press opponents greater up the pitch.
When Madrid win the ball, he’s already nearer to the forwards. That permits him to join midfield with assault and supply one other participant who can mix with Mbappe and Vinicius Jr.
It additionally explains why Mourinho has been eager to stress Madrid’s attacking gamers should work collectively quite than function as people.
“The team dynamic is about 11, not 2+9,” he stated.
The midfielder additionally described working with Mourinho as a “dream”, having beforehand solely met the previous Chelsea, Manchester United and Tottenham supervisor as soon as earlier than his appointment.
There is clearly an early understanding and respect between the 2.
Mourinho has repeatedly spoken about Bellingham’s significance to his plans, describing him as a “unique and super important player” with qualities that embrace bodily, psychological and tactical.
He additionally prompt Bellingham ought to be one of many gamers within the working for the Ballon d’Or.
“He is a unique kind of player and extremely important for the team,” stated Mourinho.
“His mental strength, tactical ability, the way he recovers the ball, the way he pressures, the way he plays up front, I am very happy.”