Mbappe is the reason. Bellingham is using the World Cup to put pressure on Mourinho

Real Madrid’s England star Jude Bellingham has sent a clear message to his Portuguese coach Jose Mourinho about the best position in which he can show his full potential, stressing that he prefers to play behind the strikers, where he regained his brilliance with England at the 2026 World Cup.

“Scoring goals is a very satisfying feeling and I know I will be criticized for scoring easy goals, but the truth is I love it,” indicating he wants to continue in this attacking role that allows him to get into the penalty area often.

Explaining his goalscoring philosophy, the 22-year-old football player added: “Do footballers score lucky goals?” Some players run into the box 5 times and don’t score. I run 30 times and I can score one goal, but I keep trying and when something happens, it’s not a coincidence.”

Bellingham is currently at his best for the Three Lions at the World Cup, where he scored four goals and provided one assist to become the team’s second top scorer behind Harry Kane, who scored six goals to help England reach the quarter-finals.

This brilliant version brings back memories of his exceptional first season at Real Madrid, when he played behind Vinicius and Rodrigo and scored 23 goals and provided 12 assists to become one of the mainstays of the Champions League, La Liga and Spanish Super Cup winning side.

However, with the arrival of Kylian Mbappé and the decision of the technical staff to play with three strikers for the majority of the games, Bellingham’s performance dropped noticeably after he was moved to a more advanced midfield position, which was exacerbated by a shoulder injury from which he is now fully recovered.

The England international, whose strengths Germany manager Thomas Tuchel has recognized and capitalized on in the national team, is trying to convince Mourinho that playing Mbappe in an advanced position will allow him to return to his preferred role behind the strikers, which will benefit the whole team and restore the happiness and goal-scoring efficiency that Royal fans have been missing.