Bellingham has explained the difference 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 said. “I think this is the best position for me.”
Mourinho still expects him to press and recover possession, but the difference is where that work begins.
Instead of dropping deep towards his own penalty area, Bellingham can now use his energy to press opponents higher up the pitch.
When Madrid win the ball, he is already closer to the forwards. That allows him to connect midfield with attack and provide another player who can combine with Mbappe and Vinicius Jr.
It also explains why Mourinho has been keen to stress Madrid’s attacking players must work together rather than operate as individuals.
“The team dynamic is about 11, not 2+9,” he said.
The midfielder also described working with Mourinho as a “dream”, having previously only met the former Chelsea, Manchester United and Tottenham manager once before his appointment.
There is clearly an early understanding and respect between the two.
Mourinho has repeatedly spoken about Bellingham’s importance to his plans, describing him as a “unique and super important player” with qualities that include physical, mental and tactical.
He also suggested Bellingham should be one of the players in the running for the Ballon d’Or.
“He is a unique kind of player and extremely important for the team,” said 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.”
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