Why doesn't Bellingham play like in England at Real Madrid?

English stood out in the four Nations League matches with his national team, but with the Real Madrid team, he is not at all the same player. What's the problem?

Héctor Andreu | 13 Oct 2026 | 12.20
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Bellingham does not play the same with Real Madrid as in England, what is the problem?
Bellingham does not play the same with Real Madrid as in England, what is the problem?

UEFA Champions League
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Roma Real Madrid
14/10/26 21:00:00
3.50 3.80 1.95

Jude Bellingham, a 23-year-old midfielder, is grabbing the latest news from Real Madrid by receiving a public defense from Poli Rincón, who blames José Mourinho for not fully utilizing his potential. The former footballer believes that the Englishman shows a different version when playing for Thomas Tuchel's team, especially after his performances during the international break in October.

The comparison has gained prominence after Bellingham scored one goal and provided four assists in four games for England. His standout performance came against Croatia, where he was directly involved in four goals during a 0-7 victory.

Jude Bellingham and Poli Rincón's Critique of José Mourinho

Poli Rincón analyzed the midfielder's situation on Rubén Martín's YouTube channel. His main argument is that the differences in Bellingham's performance with England and his participation in the white team must also be explained from a tactical perspective.

The former Madrid player believes that José Mourinho has not found a structure that allows the Englishman to intervene with the same frequency in creating and finishing plays.

With Thomas Tuchel, Bellingham has the freedom to approach the area, combine with his teammates, and contribute to attacks from different positions. Against Croatia, he recorded one goal, three assists, and eight key passes, figures that reflect his offensive influence.

However, Rincón's critique does not imply that the player is having a poor season statistically. The Englishman has scored three goals and several assists in his initial matches of the season with the Madrid squad.

The difference highlighted by the former player lies in his collective involvement. Bellingham may decide on actions near the area, but that does not necessarily mean he consistently intervenes during different phases of a match. Real Madrid is showering Bellingham with praise in his new contract extension.

Real Madrid Need to Recover the Bellingham of Carlo Ancelotti's Era

The analysis also revisits the midfielder's first season at Real Madrid. Under Carlo Ancelotti's guidance, Bellingham scored 23 goals in all competitions during the 2023/24 season.

That performance was linked to his position behind the forwards. His freedom to push up from the second line allowed him to attack spaces and reach the area without constantly managing the center of the field.

Currently, José Mourinho also deploys him in advanced positions, but Rincón believes that the team's collective functioning prevents them from fully utilizing all of his attributes.

In his analysis, the former player highlighted moments when Arda Güler played centrally and Fede Valverde adjusted his position. These movements facilitated new passing lanes and a different distribution of players on the field.

The duo of Aurélien Tchouaméni and Valverde is also part of the debate. Both can provide coverage and recovery, although Rincón believes the team needs to enhance ball circulation to connect with their attackers.

Bellingham's Performance between Real Madrid and England, Debated

Thomas Tuchel Offers an Alternative for Mourinho

Bellingham's performance with Thomas Tuchel's team serves as a reference for the Madrid coach. England has employed a structure that allows Bellingham to receive in between lines, partner with Harry Kane, and engage in pressing after losing possession.

The upcoming tests will come with the fixtures ahead. Jude Bellingham will return to the club dynamic after his international duty, and José Mourinho will have to decide whether to make adjustments in midfield to enhance his impact before the Clásico on October 25.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, ¿Por qué Bellingham no juega en el Real Madrid como lo hace en Inglaterra?