Aurélien Tchouaméni has emerged as a key figure for Real Madrid, showcasing his resilience and skill throughout the 2025 season. Under the guidance of Carlo Ancelotti and later Xabi Alonso, the French midfielder solidified his position as an indispensable asset for Los Blancos. In the ongoing 2025-2026 campaign, Tchouaméni has proven his physical reliability, missing only two matches due to a thigh injury—one against Rayo Vallecano and the other against Elche. His absence is palpably felt, revealing the defensive vulnerabilities of the team when he is not on the pitch.
TchouamĂ©ni’s versatility is invaluable; he adeptly transitions between a defensive midfielder and a central defender role. This tactical flexibility allows him to drop back into defense, providing width for the full-backs while facilitating Madrid’s attacking build-up. His presence on the field is crucial for maintaining balance and control in midfield.
Defensive Prowess and Key Contributions
The Frenchman’s performance in December 2025 was particularly notable during Real Madrid’s narrow victory over Sevilla. Displaying tenacity in defense, TchouamĂ©ni recorded 78 defensive interventions, ranking second on the team behind Huijsen‘s impressive 104. He also led the match with five recoveries and achieved two successful tackles. According to DataMB statistics cited by AS, TchouamĂ©ni boasts a remarkable 96% success rate in duels and an impressive 95% completion rate for forward passes with an accuracy of 98%. These figures underscore his critical role in both defensive stability and offensive transitions.
From Criticism to Praise
The start of 2025 was rocky for Tchouaméni, particularly following a disappointing display in the Supercopa de España final against Barcelona, where Madrid suffered a heavy 2-5 defeat. The subsequent match against Celta de Vigo saw him face jeers from the Bernabéu crowd during a shaky first half in the Copa del Rey. However, this adversity ignited a transformation within him. Reflecting on that experience, Tchouaméni remarked, “I was making three or four passes and getting booed each time. We had two options: either give up or play our game. That day, I put in an excellent performance, and eventually, the boos stopped.” This pivotal moment marked a turning point for him.
The latest Clasico at the BernabĂ©u showcased TchouamĂ©ni’s evolution as he delivered a performance reminiscent of former star Casemiro. His ability to anticipate opposing plays significantly bolstered Madrid’s defense near their penalty area. Partnering effectively with central defenders Éder MilitĂŁo and Huijsen, he disrupted numerous through balls aimed at Barcelona’s attack.
TchouamĂ©ni’s growth can be attributed to Xabi Alonso’s tactical insights that have highlighted his importance within the squad. Since joining Real Madrid in summer 2022, he has been a crucial player; with him on the field, Madrid has achieved an impressive record of 116 wins out of 169 matches—an astounding success rate nearing 70%. As he continues to develop, one can only wonder how far this exceptional talent will take Real Madrid in their pursuit of glory.
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