Raúl Asensio or Aurélien Tchouaméni: Courtois reveals his defensive preference

After a few matches together with the young centre-back who is replacing Éder Militão for the remainder of the season, the 32-year-old Belgian goalkeeper has reportedly confided, according to our sources, the name of the player he would most like to see alongside Antonio Rüdiger.

Real Madrid’s season has been quite eventful. While last season began with terrible news for the team, especially with severe injuries recorded, the same scenario is unfolding again this season. After Dani Carvajal, who tore his knee ligaments and is now ruled out for the rest of the competition, Éder Militão has unfortunately suffered a relapse with another anterior cruciate ligament tear, just like at the start of last season.

Tchouaméni: More mature and reassuring?

While Carlo Ancelotti did not struggle to find a replacement, as Raúl Asensio emerged as a major talent from the reserves, Thibaut Courtois remains a huge fan of Aurélien Tchouaméni when he is deployed as a central defender. Indeed, according to our sources, the Belgian goalkeeper, who was once again impressed by the French midfielder’s performance last Saturday against Girona, mentioned to some close associates that he appreciated the latter’s presence in defence.

Strong on his feet and more experienced, as noted by our colleagues at Journal du Real, Aurélien Tchouaméni provides reassurance to his teammates, unlike the young Raúl Asensio, who is nonetheless showing great potential. According to our information, Thibaut Courtois was particularly unhappy with the first goal conceded against Athletic Bilbao last Wednesday in the rescheduled Matchday 19 fixture of La Liga. Caught off guard by Asensio’s missed interception on Adama Boiro’s cross-shot, the former Chelsea goalkeeper believes the 21-year-old defender should play less demanding matches to better acclimatise to the top level.

Aurélien Tchouaméni: Real Madrid’s necessary evil

Even though he appreciates his interventions and playstyle, Thibaut Courtois prefers not to put too much pressure on Raúl Asensio for now, allowing him the time to develop. Tough and strong-willed (as demonstrated against Darwin Núñez in the Champions League clash with Liverpool), the young defender needs time to refine certain aspects of his game. It must be said: when Aurélien Tchouaméni plays, Real Madrid rarely loses. Although sometimes disappointing in his play, the former Monaco star is like a talisman for the team.

Despite occasional lapses, as with all players, the French midfielder plays a crucial role in the team in every match. As revealed by Marca this past weekend, Carlo Ancelotti’s main dilemma is deciding whether to start Tchouaméni or Asensio alongside Antonio Rüdiger on Tuesday against Atalanta in the Champions League. If we are to rely on Thibaut Courtois’s preference, it seems likely we’ll see a central defensive pairing featuring the French international. Time will tell.