Jude Bellingham and Jose Mourinho of Real Madrid
Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images
Jose Mourinho returned to Real Madrid for his second stint as manager at the beginning of the summer.
Los Blancos had failed to win silverware in the last couple of seasons, and Florentino Perez decided to turn to a familiar face to galvanise a talented group.
As expected, Madrid have made an excellent start to the new campaign, with the only blip coming in the game against Real Betis, which they lost 1-0.
Mourinho has now made his admiration for Jude Bellingham abundantly clear, describing the English superstar as a truly exceptional player.
Mourinho delivers emphatic Bellingham verdict
Speaking to Sky Sports (h/t Madrid Zone), Mourinho was emphatic when asked about the England international and offered an answer that left little room for interpretation.
Jude Bellingham, Real Madrid player
Mourinho believes Bellingham has something special in him. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
“Jude Bellingham is very special. Not just a bit special, very special,” Mourinho said.
A reporter then jokingly asked the Real Madrid coach whether Bellingham was as special as Mourinho himself.
“Very special,” Mourinho responded with a laugh.
Mourinho’s words say plenty about how highly he rates one of the central figures of his project at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Bellingham has major role under Mourinho
Bellingham has already shown why Mourinho is so enthusiastic about working with him.
The Englishman possesses a combination that suits the Portuguese coach particularly well. He can contribute technically between the lines, arrive in scoring positions and provide the physical intensity required when Madrid are without the ball.
Jose Mourinho, Real Madrid coach
Mourinho and everyone in the Real Madrid team visited the F1 paddock at Madring today. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)
His versatility also gives Mourinho options, although the No. 10 position appears particularly suited to extracting his attacking qualities.
The challenge for Madrid is ensuring Bellingham does not become overloaded with responsibilities.
He is capable of influencing almost every phase of a match, but his biggest value could come when the structure around him allows him to attack the penalty area rather than constantly dropping deeper to solve problems.
Madrid building around Bellingham and Mbappe
Mourinho made it very clear that both Bellingham and Mbappe will be the pillars around whom Madrid’s new project is built.
The Englishman has repaid Mourinho’s faith by starting the season exactly as he played at the World Cup.
The relationship that Jose and Bellingham share seems beautiful, and the hope is that he can continue his good form for the foreseeable future.
Nuno Tavares, Lazio player
Photo by Marco Rosi - SS Lazio/Getty Images
Gennaro Gattuso, Real Madrid coach
Gattuso believes Tavares has the quality to play for Real Madrid. (Photo by Timothy Rogers/Getty Images)
Nuno Tavares, Lazio player
Tavares has shown impressive form at Lazio. (Photo by Marco Rosi – SS Lazio/Getty Images)