Real Madrid are now in the quarter finals of the Champions League. Carlo Ancelotti‘s team have had a round of 16 tie worthy of their irregular season, suffering and with controversy, but they continue on their way to the round of 16. The Whites are not at their best as a team and some players have been singled out this season, but there are also several who are being a lifeline for the team with their performances.
Tchouaméni at Real Madrid
There is one player in the Real Madrid squad who has experienced both sides of the coin. The whistles and the praise of a demanding Santiago Bernabéu. Aurélien Tchouaméni has gone from being booed by his own fans to being a key player in Carlo Ancelotti’s scheme of things. Since leaving behind his time as a forced central defender, he seems more focused and more committed to his role in the team, and eager to prove that he is up to the task of playing for a demanding club like Real Madrid.
On the other hand, Ancelotti has decided to return him to the position in which he shines the most, the midfield. Occupying this position, the footballer seems to have freed himself completely, offering his qualities and helping the team with a level of dedication and discipline worthy of this team. The emergence of Asencio and the recovery of Alaba have been key to his improvement.
Real Madrid are looking for a new Toni Kroos
Despite the French player’s turnaround, there are still doubts, and that is why they are scouring the market in search of a player who can offer more guarantees than Tchouaméni. And the fact is that although his performance is improving, he combines it with irregular performances that are not entirely convincing, and his level in important matches is far from what is expected.
Furthermore, with a view to doing business to renew the squad, the midfielder is one of the team’s assets that could leave a big financial dent in the club’s coffers. The footballer is very popular in the Premier League, and any English league team could bid strongly for Tchouaméni’s services.
Tchouaméni won’t be in London
In just 38 minutes the first of the warnings to the Whites came, but the rest avoided the bullet. Marcos Llorente was trying to set up a counter-attack and Aurélien Tchouaméni tripped him. Marciniak did not hesitate. Yellow. And as he already had two, a suspension. Ancelotti will not be able to count on him in the match on April 8 in London against Arsenal.
Lunin in a second phase
Another player who is experiencing a double act at the Santiago Bernabéu is Lunin, in the shadow of Courtois, but with great performances at key moments. Last season, the Belgian’s injury left him with the keys to the white door. A challenge that, at first, seemed like it might be too much for a goalkeeper who had played little more than the Copa del Rey. Nothing could be further from the truth, since, beyond revealing himself as the lord and master of the white goal and being one of those goalkeepers who wins games, he also proved to be a goalkeeper who wins titles, just as Courtois does when he takes his place between the sticks.
This season, his role is even less important than in previous campaigns, as between the league and the Champions League he has only played 5 matches. The 5 matches that Courtois has been unable to play due to injury. His competition is still the Copa del Rey, where in stadiums such as Anoeta he once again demonstrated his position as one of the best goalkeepers in the world, despite the little prominence he has in The White House.
Both are of interest to United
Manchester United want Lunin to replace Onana, the Cameroonian goalkeeper who came up through the ranks at Barça. They want him for next season. “Lunin is managed by Jorge Mendes, who has a good relationship with Manchester United,” said Eduardo Inda on El Chiringuito. “They also want to sign Aurélien Tchouaméni,” added the director of OKDIARIO on the program presented by Josep Pedrerol on Mega.