Aurélien Tchouaméni has gone from being booed by his own fans to being an outstanding player in Carlo Ancelotti‘s scheme of things. Although he did not show his best in the match against Atlético Madrid, the French player has managed to stop the first impulses of a board of directors that was already looking at the market in search of other options (and is still looking)
Tchouaméni hit rock bottom
Tchouaméni was one of the big names singled out by the fans of Real Madrid and the board itself after the defeat to Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup by 5 goals to 2 In Ancelotti’s determination to make the French player a central defender (something that now seems ruled out after Asencio has earned the position), something that had been evident on the pitch for some time became clear against the Blaugranas, that Tchouaméni could not play there
The next game after the defeat was at the Santiago Bernabéu in the Cup against Celta de Vigo, and the fans gave him a resounding boo, the like of which had not been heard in the Madrid temple for some time. A wake-up call which, far from destroying the player, helped him to show his best level.
Tchouaméni turns the situation around
Several factors have caused a 180 degree turnaround in the French midfielder’s situation: the first of these has been the involvement of the player himself. He seems more focused and more committed to his role in the team, and eager to prove that he is up to the demands of a club as demanding as Real Madrid
On the other hand, Ancelotti has decided to return him to the position where he shines most, the midfield. Occupying this position, the footballer seems to have freed himself completely, offering his qualities and helping the team with a dedication and discipline worthy of this team. The emergence of Asencio and the recovery of Alaba have been key to his improvement
However, Tchouaméni has had to occupy the central defensive position at sporadic moments after his recovery, and it must be said that he has fulfilled his role when necessary.
A future away from Real Madrid?
In the Santiago Bernabéu offices they are aware that the footballer has stepped up to turn around a situation that was taking on dramatic overtones However, there are still some doubts, and that is why they are scouring the market in search of a player who can offer more guarantees than Tchouaméni. Tuesday’s game is an example: although his performance is improving, he combines it with irregular performances that are not entirely convincing, and his level in important games is far from what is expected
On the other hand, the Frenchman is considered to be 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. Should a good offer arrive, the club would look favourably on a transfer and look for an alternative for a key position on the pitch
There is no doubt that Tchouaméni has stepped up, but he continues to accumulate performances that are not entirely convincing, especially in big games. We are at the stage of the season where everything is at stake, a unique opportunity for Tchouaméni to clear up the doubts he generates and to be a key player in achieving the objectives, which is to win as many titles as possible.