Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has said the number 10 role that new Jude Bellingham was given for the pre-season win over AC Milan is his 'best position', but where the Englishman plays longer-term will ultimately depend on what formation Los Blancos use.
Ancelotti lined up his team in a 4-4-2 midfield diamond shape for the Milan game, a change from the 4-3-3 system that Real have operated in for years.
It was an eagerly anticipated unofficial debut for Bellingham, whose transfer from Borussia Dortmund could eventually rise to £116m.
"Bellingham is a fantastic player, a complete midfielder who brings intensity to matches and who also moves well without the ball," Ancelotti said afterwards.
"He's different to the other midfielders we have, able to find the free spaces. If we play the system that we played here, he'd be the number 10. If we play 4-3-3, maybe he can play left midfield or right midfield. But to try to use his characteristics, the best position for him is number 10.
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"Bellingham's positioning was good and he played well. Of course, it will take some time for the team to get used to his quality, which is extraordinary. His ability to get into the area is something we can make the most of this season. I have a good feeling about this and we'll keep working."
Although Real won the game, they had to come from behind against the Rossoneri, who initially went 2-0 up in the first though goals from Fikayo Tomori and Luca Romero. But a quick-fire double from Federico Valverde just before the mark got Los Blancos back level, with Vinicius Junior eventually going on to win the game with a third Real goal near the end.
Next up for Real on this pre-season tour is Manchester United, followed by further games against Barcelona and Juventus.
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This article was originally published on 90min as Carlo Ancelotti reveals Jude Bellingham's 'best position' for Real Madrid.
