Real Madrid News
Arsenal record signing looks up to Real Madrid midfield star: “He’s very good”
Arsenal record signing Declan Rice has claimed that Real Madrid midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni happens to be one of his role models, saying that he really likes the Frenchman’s style of play.
Rice, who moved from West Ham United to Arsenal this summer in a record €122 million move, has also added that UEFA Champions League winner Rodri and his current teammate Thomas Partey are other players who he admires a lot.
During an interview, Rice was asked to name the current midfielders he sees as role models, to which he responded (h/t Metro):
“Obviously, the main one in the Premier League is Rodri, he’s incredible. What a player he is, the way he works, the way he keeps that Man City team ticking, you know he’s a top player.”
“Partey when I came to Arsenal was incredible and has been up until his injury,” continued Rice.
“Tchouameni at Real Madrid, he’s a youngster as well, very aggressive, gets on the ball, goes forward with it, he’s very good,” he added.
Rice absolutely right to applaud Tchouameni
Tchouameni, 23, has made quite an impact during his short time at Real Madrid. Arriving from Monaco in June 2022 for a fee reported to be rising up to €100 million including potential add-ons, he hit the ground running in absolutely no time.
The midfielder, who seamlessly fit into the starting XI, has so far made 54 appearances for Los Blancos, providing four assists.
Interestingly enough, Rice and Tchouameni have already crossed paths, albeit on the international stage. The event happened in the enthralling quarter-final between England and France during the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
This encounter saw Les Bleus emerge triumphant with a 2-1 scoreline, and it was Tchouameni who ignited the spark by unleashing a breathtaking long-distance strike to break the deadlock.
For what it is worth, this unforgettable moment underscored his prowess as a game-changer and solidified his status as one of the standout talents.
After having undergone a brief lull in form over the second half of the last season, Tchouameni is back to his best in the new season and is very happy with how things are going for him at Real Madrid.
Following Barcelona’s awe-inspiring comeback win against Celta Vigo yesterday, the pressure is on Real Madrid to regain top spot in La Liga as they travel to Civitas Metropolitano to lock horns against Atletico Madrid.
The first Madrid derby of the season will not feature Vinicius Jr, who had to pull out of the travelling squad today due to a stomach bug.
Jude Bellingham has been given the green light, though, and is likely starting as the out and out striker for this game, with Joselu benched. The Englishman is joined by Rodrygo by his side, while Luka Modric plays behind them as the attacking midfielder.
Behind this trio, Toni Kroos has been handed the keys as the pivot, with Aurelien Tchouameni benched. Eduardo Camavinga starts alongside Federico Valverde as the central midfielders.
Lucas Vazquez fills in for the injured Daniel Carvajal at right-back, while Fran Garcia comes back to take over his left-back spot from Nacho. David Alaba and Antonio Rudiger round off the quadrant in central defence, screening Kepa in goal.
Confirmed Madrid XI: Kepa; Vazquez, Rudiger, Alaba, Garcia; Valverde, Kroos, Camavinga; Modric; Rodrygo, Bellingham
