Headline: Jude Bellingham Shines as Real Madrid Begins La Liga Season Strongly
Real Madrid superstar Jude Bellingham has made a significant impact since his standout performances during the World Cup in the United States, carrying that momentum into the new La Liga season. Bellingham not only scored the first goal for Los Blancos in the 2026-27 campaign but also contributed to two more goals during last night’s match against Real Sociedad.
Diario AS reports that Bellingham showcased outstanding form, returning from his vacation in exceptional physical condition, thanks to his dedication in the off-season.
Bellingham’s Vacation Work Paying Off
Bellingham’s meticulous preparation has quickly translated into impressive performances on the pitch. In the recent 4-1 victory over the Basque side, he displayed remarkable energy, intensity, and tenacity. The 23-year-old midfielder dominated the game, winning the most duels on the field with nine, completing the highest number of dribbles at three, and recording four recoveries.
Real Madrid expressed their satisfaction with Bellingham’s physical state following the match. His accuracy with the ball was equally commendable, achieving a pass completion rate of 95.2%, 92.3% in the attacking third, and creating four scoring opportunities. This blend of technical skill and physicality made his performance particularly notable. Following the match, José Mourinho highlighted Bellingham’s condition, commending his ability to maintain high intensity throughout the game.
Mourinho Profiles Bellingham Perfectly
Bellingham’s improved fitness has aligned well with a tactical adjustment made by Mourinho, who now views him primarily as a No. 10 player. This positioning allows the English talent to operate closer to the opposition’s penalty area while still permitting him the flexibility to drop deeper for build-up play when needed. This strategic shift appears to be beneficial for both Bellingham and the team, as he has already contributed goals in both matches this season.
A Major Figure in Mourinho’s Plans
Aside from his offensive contributions, there is a growing appreciation for Bellingham’s all-around game. His aggressive pressing and defensive efforts do not detract from his effectiveness in attack. One notable moment came when he played a crucial role in Vínicius’s goal against Sociedad, showing tenacity to recover the ball in the box and setting up the Brazilian forward.
Bellingham—a hard-working player—has garnered respect from Mourinho, who sees him as a key leader in the dressing room, despite not holding an official captaincy role. After a challenging 2025-26 season, Bellingham appears determined to regain his top form for Madrid, signaling that this is just the start of his resurgence as he aims to continue impressing in the months ahead.
Real Madrid superstar Jude Bellingham had a World Cup to remember in the United States and has carried that form into the La Liga season.
After scoring Los Blancos‘ first goal of the 2026-27 campaign, Bellingham set up two of Madrid’s goals against Real Sociedad last night.
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It was an excellent display from the Englishman and, according to Diario AS, it looks like he has made quite an impression.
Bellingham is said to have returned in outstanding physical condition after his vacation due to the work he put in during the off-season.
Bellingham’s vacation work paying off
The preparation is already translating into performances on the pitch.
Bellingham produced an excellent all-round performance in Madrid’s 4-1 win over the Basque club, showing a lot of energy, intensity and tenacity.
The 23-year-old won more duels than anyone else on the pitch with nine, completed the most dribbles with three and registered four recoveries.
Real Madrid are quite impressed with Jude Bellingham’s physical condition. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)
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His work with the ball was equally impressive. Bellingham completed 95.2% of his passes and 92.3% in the final third, creating four chances.
It was this combination of technical quality on the ball and the physical bite off the ball that made his performance so encouraging.
Mourinho even highlighted Bellingham’s condition after the game, praising his ability to maintain his intensity deep into the match.
Mourinho profiles Bellingham perfectly
Bellingham’s improved physical conditioning has been complemented by Jose making an important tactical change.
Mourinho sees him primarily as a No. 10 and wants the English star to operate close to the opposition penalty area.
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The midfielder is still afforded the freedom to drop deeper and participate in build-up when necessary, but his starting position is much more offensive.
This approach seems to be paying dividends, with Bellingham registering goal contributions in both games so far.
A major figure in Mourinho’s plans
Bellingham was fantastic against Real Sociedad. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
There is also an appreciation of what Bellingham offers apart from his attacking numbers.
His natural game allows him to press aggressively and contribute defensively without sacrificing his influence around the box.
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The Vinicius goal against Sociedad was all Bellingham, who showed tenacity to win the ball inside the box seconds after he lost it and set the Brazilian up.
The 23-year-old is the rare breed of superstar who is willing to work his socks off for the team, and that is something Mourinho will value.
The Portuguese manager also views Bellingham as an important dressing-room leader despite not being among the team’s official captains.
After a difficult 2025-26 campaign, it does look like Bellingham is determined to rediscover his best level for Madrid.
The work behind the renaissance is just the beginning, and Jose and Madrid will hope that the Englishman can continue to impress in the coming months.
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