the incredible about-face of Spain with Aurélien Tchouameni

The Spanish press has reversible jackets. Very critical of Kylian Mbappé for several weeks, the Iberian media have made quite an about-face in recent days. And the same can be said about Aurélien Tchouameni. After the departure of Toni Kroos and with an aging Luka Modric, the footballer, bought for €80 million from AS Monaco, was to take power within the Madrid environment. He had been prepared for this during the last two seasons under the leadership of the executives. But his first steps during this 2024-25 financial year did not live up to the expectations and hopes placed in him. More and more Merengue supporters as well as observers and journalists were calling for Eduardo Camavinga instead.

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And the point of no return was reached on November 5 during the 3-1 defeat against AC Milan at the Santiago-Bernabéu stadium. Starting this match, Tchouameni was very disappointing and, above all, he was overwhelmed at all levels and replaced at the break by Camavinga. Massacred by the Spanish press, the former Bordeaux player had a few days of respite. Indeed, the Merengues announced that he suffered from a sprained ankle. An injury which kept her away from the field for 26 days (missing 4 matches, editor's note). But it was not the first for the Frenchman, who had already been sidelined for 14 days in September due to a foot injury.

A sacrifice that pays

Back on his feet, the vice-captain of the Blues found color during his last outings in the white jersey. He has participated in 4 matches in all competitions since his return from injury, all as a starter. Above all, the midfielder made a rather good impression in a role which was not originally his, since he played in particular in central defense after the injury to Eder Militão. He had already helped out in this position last year, behind Rüdiger and Nacho. He's doing it again this season. And for the Iberian press, it is a revelation. This Friday, Mark dedicates a long article to the international tricolor (19 matches, 17 starts in all competitions, 1487 minutes played this season).

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“Tchouameni defends himself”headlines the Iberian media before elaborating on it. “The Tchouameni formula functions as a central formula. At least the numbers are on their side. Against Pachuca he played his fifteenth match as a defender and the record was 11 wins and four draws. Tchouameni defends in a position that is not his and Real Madrid are undefeated with him in central defense. Additionally, in seven of those 15 matches, the team kept a clean sheet, conceding 16 goals (1.06 goals per game). With these numbers, it's no surprise that Ancelotti wanted to have a few words of appreciation for the player. »

Ancelotti's good soldier

Indeed, after the draw against Rayo Vallecano last weekend, the Mister had strong words for his player, a real firefighter on duty. “We must first of all thank Tchouameni for his commitment. He plays in a position that is not his. He does it for the team, he shows commitment and doesn't complain. He does the best he can and he does it well. He did very well against Atalanta and Girona and it’s no coincidence that we won both matches.” Last year, Ancelotti, who had aligned him in this position against Manchester City, Leipzig or against Barça, had already praised him. “He understood very well what the team needs. Looks like he's always played there. He’s smart.”

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And above all he is not making waves, he who still has to sacrifice himself while Real Madrid did not strengthen behind last summer after the departure of Nacho. “I prefer to play in the middle, but I always try to give my best.” Despite the presence of young Raul Asencio, Carlo Ancelotti continues to call on Aurélien Tchouameni to solidify his rearguard. While rumors suggested a possible departure of the Frenchman under contract until 2028, this is obviously not the case. Although he may have disappointed in the midfield, he showed that he can generally be counted on at the back. Real Madrid can be delighted.