Real Madrid News
PSG defender names Real Madrid superstar as one of his toughest opponents ever
If there is one player sale from recent years that Real Madrid regret, it is Achraf Hakimi.Their decision to sell the prodigy was not for their inability to see his talent but a gross underestimation of his ceiling.
After a loan spell at Borussia Dortmund, the right-back moved to Inter Milan for a short spell before his big transfer to Paris Saint Germain.
The 24-year-old has made 21 league appearances for PSG this term in Ligue 1, scoring four goals and providing three assists. He has created five big chances and averages 1.4 key passes per game.
Earlier this week, Hakimi spoke to Prime Video Sport France where he had many interesting points to share about Real Madrid.
The PSG defender was first asked about his most special memory as a footballer. Without any hesitation, he named his period at Real Madrid as one such memorable stint.
“Winning the Champions League with Real Madrid, and also the 2022 World Cup,” the PSG right-back said.
Regarded as one of the best right-backs in modern football, Hakimi has faced opponents of all possible calibres and skill sets. Speaking to the media, he revealed the three toughest players he has ever faced, saying: “Mbappé, Coman and also Vinicius Jr.”
Hakimi has revealed in the past that Zinedine Zidane had nothing to do with his departure from Real Madrid in 2020 and that he will forever be grateful to the legendary manager for trusting him at the highest level.
In his recent interview, he reiterated his gratitude to the manager, saying: “I thank Zidane for giving me the opportunity to play for Real Madrid.”
Finally, the Moroccan international was asked to name the best left-backs in history in his books, to which he responded with the names of two Real Madrid legends, as he said: “Marcelo and Roberto Carlos too.”
After a month into the new season, Aurelien Tchouameni is finally back in action for Real Madrid.
The Frenchman made his first appearance of the season for the Merengues last night against Inter Milan after recovering from the muscular injury that delayed his campaign.
His return to fitness had raised questions over where he would fit into Mourinho’s plans.
Tchouameni has been a regular in Real Madrid’s midfield for several seasons under different managers, but the end of last season was far less straightforward.
His confrontation with Federico Valverde, combined with speculation over his future at the club, created uncertainty about his position. His lack of a proper pre-season also appeared to put him behind other midfield options.
Bernardo Silva had established himself as an important figure, while Eduardo Camavinga was also ahead of Tchouameni in terms of match fitness.
With Real Madrid looking for greater creativity in midfield, there were questions over whether the Frenchman would still be a first-choice player.
Key for Mourinho
According to AS (h/t Bernabeu Digital), however, Mourinho has no such doubts. Tchouameni remains a key player for the Portuguese coach and is expected to be a starter.
Mourinho sees the French international as a midfielder without a direct replacement in the squad.
For Jose, Tchouameni provides something that none of the other midfielders in the squad do – a more defensive and positional presence, combining his tactical discipline with considerable physical strength.
His ability to shield the defence and provide balance could be particularly important for a Real Madrid side that want to defend aggressively and attack quickly in transition.
For that reason, his absence at the start of the campaign has not changed the manager’s view of his importance.
Mourinho faces a midfield selection problem
The challenge for Mourinho now is finding a way to fit all the pieces together.
If Tchouameni is guaranteed a starting position and Valverde is considered untouchable as captain, the obvious consequence is that Bernardo could find himself starting from the bench.
The summer arrival had been given an important role in helping Real Madrid control and distribute possession from deeper positions.
However, with Tchouameni and Valverde both occupying midfield places, Mourinho cannot accommodate everyone in the same lineup.
How the Portuguese coach manages that competition will be interesting to see in the coming weeks.
