Aurélien Tchouaméni has made a remarkable start to the season, silencing critics who questioned his place in the Real Madrid lineup last year. The French midfielder has been pivotal for manager Xabi Alonso, featuring in 13 matches this season, with 12 of those as a starter. At just 25 years old, Tchouaméni has matured into a key component of Madrid’s midfield, showcasing leadership and stability that the team desperately needed at the beginning of the campaign. His impressive tally of 1,089 minutes played out of a possible 1,170 highlights his importance in Alonso’s plans.
Tchouaméni’s standout performance against FC Barcelona serves as a testament to his resurgence. During the intense Clasico, he demonstrated the defensive prowess that initially earned him acclaim, registering six defensive actions—one of the highest on the pitch, according to AS. Partnering effectively with Eduardo Camavinga, Tchouaméni not only contained Barcelona’s attacks but also contributed significantly to Madrid’s build-up play. He completed 25 out of 28 attempted passes, achieving an impressive accuracy rate of 89%. Furthermore, he was among the players with the most touches in the match, amassing 45, second only to Jude Bellingham‘s 53.
A New Era Under Xabi Alonso
The arrival of Xabi Alonso has been transformative for Tchouaméni. The Basque coach has instilled confidence in the young midfielder, allowing him to flourish on the pitch. This newfound trust is evident in Tchouaméni’s performances; he appears more assertive and willing to take risks compared to last season when he struggled with self-doubt and was often criticized for his cautious style. In particular, his offensive contributions have become more noticeable—against Barcelona, he registered three key passes and attempted a shot that was deflected.
A Complementary Duo
The synergy between Tchouaméni and Camavinga is palpable, especially considering their shared experiences playing for the French national team. Their chemistry not only enhances Madrid’s midfield dynamics but also provides much-needed balance between defensive solidity and offensive creativity. As Tchouaméni continues to develop under Alonso’s guidance, he embodies a stability that Real Madrid had been lacking at the start of this season.
In conclusion, Aurélien Tchouaméni is proving to be an indispensable asset for Real Madrid this season. His evolution under Xabi Alonso showcases how a supportive coaching environment can unlock a player’s true potential. Will this be the year he cements himself as one of Europe’s elite midfielders?
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