Jude Bellingham is at his best when operating as an offensive midfielder in a 4-3-3 formation, Manchester United and his other suitors have been told.
The England international, who held talks with United in March 2020, just months before sealing a big-money move to Borussia Dortmund from Birmingham City, is being continuously linked with a move to Old Trafford. There is a general feeling that the 19-year-old will leave Dortmund next year and a plethora of clubs are being linked with his signature.
United are expected to be among the leading runners and riders vying for his signature, such is the excitement surrounding his potential. He has gone from strength to strength since joining Dortmund and his stock is only continuing to rise.
It is understood that United, who will resume their Premier League campaign with a trip to cross-city rivals Manchester City next weekend, will be looking to sign a midfielder in the second phase of their rebuilding project under Erik ten Hag. United recruited Christian Eriksen and Casemiro during the summer, but they are still exploring further options.
Casemiro is a player who sits deep and does the dirty side of the game while Eriksen plays slightly further forward and dictates proceedings on the ball. And it is in Eriksen's role that Bellingham thrives best, according to former Birmingham head coach Pep Clotet.
The Spaniard was responsible for handing Bellingham his debut in senior football back in August 2019, meaning he knows more about the Dortmund star than most. And for Clotet, Bellingham is at his best when deployed as a midfielder that is tasked with trying to break forward and attack the opposition penalty area.
"In my opinion, his best position is in a 4-3-3 as an offensive midfielder," said Clotet, speaking to Sky Sports back in 2020. "He feels very comfortable offensively, in a position he's able to attack the box, but you must ensure as a manager he has the freedom.
"He has a very good skill in hiding his movement so can get out of situations and find his way into a shot or cross. When a player drives the ball forward, he is normally very focused on the ball but Jude gets out of space.
"He's able to see what’s around him, without the need to be constantly watching what's happening on the ball because his skill is massive."
Since joining Dortmund more than two years ago, Bellingham's overall game has both evolved and improved. He was often tasked with sitting deep and trying to control the game from that area of the pitch, whereas now he is much more familiar with attacking areas.
Last season, for example, he scored six goals and bagged 14 assists, compared to the four goals and four assists he got in 2020/21. He has also scored three goals in his first 10 appearances in all competitions this term, including two goals in two Champions League matches.