Jude Bellingham is embracing a flexible approach to his role at Real Madrid as the team undergoes changes with the arrival of Kylian Mbappé and the departure of Karim Benzema. After a stellar 2022-23 season where he played a key part in Real Madrid's La Liga and Champions League triumphs, Bellingham has been asked to adjust his style of play to accommodate new tactical shifts under manager Carlo Ancelotti.
Last season, Bellingham was a revelation in Madrid’s attack, operating primarily as a false nine. In this advanced role, he scored an impressive 23 goals and provided 13 assists, cementing his place as one of the team’s most valuable contributors. His versatility and adaptability were key factors in Madrid's success, and he quickly became a fan favorite for his dynamic performances and ability to fill multiple roles across the attacking third.
However, with Benzema’s departure to Saudi Arabia’s Al-Ittihad and the signing of Mbappé, Bellingham’s role has evolved. Initially, he was deployed as part of a midfield diamond, playing in an advanced position alongside Rodrygo and Vinícius Júnior, who operated as split strikers. This setup allowed Bellingham to continue his attacking contributions while also adapting to the demands of a deeper midfield role.
This season, however, Bellingham’s role has shifted further. With Mbappé now in the squad, Bellingham has spent more time in a central midfield position, covering 50% of his playing time there. He has also been utilized on the left wing for 35% of his minutes, reducing his time spent as a striker or attacking midfielder to just 3%. Last season, he played a significant portion of his minutes in a more advanced midfield role (69%) and only 7% as a traditional striker.
Bellingham’s adaptability has been central to his success at Real Madrid, and he has expressed his willingness to continue adjusting his game for the team’s benefit. “It’s been like any other adaptation,” Bellingham remarked before the Champions League clash against Liverpool. “It changes the dynamic, the style of play and the approach, but I’ve shown that I can play in different positions.”
Bellingham’s statement reflects a maturity and understanding of the team’s evolving needs. “I prefer a bit more up front, but it’s not important to me,” he said, emphasizing that his personal preference takes a backseat to the overall success of the team. “I’m willing to play wherever they put me, and I’m not affected by the position.” This mentality is a testament to his professionalism and focus on contributing positively to Real Madrid, regardless of the tactical changes that come with new signings and shifting team dynamics.
With Mbappé now at the club, Bellingham’s role is expected to continue evolving. “This year we have signed one of the best players of this generation, who has scored an unbelievable amount of goals,” Bellingham said of his new teammate. “My role is going to change, and I’m totally willing to do that.” This selflessness and team-first attitude is a key part of Bellingham's character, and it’s clear that he is fully committed to his long-term future at Real Madrid, even as his role on the pitch continues to evolve.
Overall, Bellingham’s willingness to adapt is a crucial asset for Real Madrid as they continue to build a squad capable of competing at the highest level across multiple competitions. Whether in central midfield, on the left wing, or even further up the pitch, Bellingham’s versatility ensures that he can contribute in a variety of ways, allowing Ancelotti to mold his squad to meet the challenges of both domestic and European football.
