Real Madrid News
Real Madrid midfield mainstay chosen to captain his national team
Real Madrid midfield heavyweight Aurelien Tchouameni is set to captain the French national team in their upcoming match against UEFA Nations League clash against Israel, tomorrow in Budapest, reports AS.
The decision, agreed upon by manager Didier Deschamps and the technical staff, was made by the head coach this Wednesday morning, marking the first time the midfielder will wear the captain’s armband for Les Bleus.
Tchouameni succeeds fellow Real Madrid star Kylian Mbappe, who has stayed back in the Spanish capital after being rested by Deschamps following some recent fitness issues.
With Antoine Griezmann also announcing his retirement, Tchouameni has been selected as the man to lead the 2018 world champions. The former AS Monaco star was chosen for the distinction ahead of others like Ibrahima Konate, Mike Maignan, and Jules Kounde.
A fundamental piece
Since making his debut for the national team in September 2021 against Bosnia, Tchouameni has established himself as one of the fundamental pieces of the French national team.
Following injuries to Paul Pogba and multiple absences of N’Golo Kante, the Real Madrid man assumed leadership in midfield, cementing his position as an undisputed starter with no genuine competition for his spot.
The 24-year-old has accumulated 36 international appearances, scoring three goals and providing one assist. Of these 36 appearances, 30 were as a starter and only six from the bench, highlighting his importance in the Les Bleus’ setup.
An undisputed starter in the 2022 World Cup and the latest European Championship, Tchouameni’s importance to the French national team is supreme.
Despite facing criticism for his performances at Real Madrid, Deschamps maintains complete confidence in the midfielder, choosing to award him the highest distinction of captaincy.
Real Madrid News
Mourinho considering starting 23-year-old Real Madrid ace against Villarreal – report
After impressing during the international break, Eduardo Camavinga has a major opportunity to establish himself in Real Madrid’s midfield rotation.
Indeed, according to Defensa Central, Jose Mourinho is considering starting the Frenchman against Villarreal, with injuries and doubts over several players limiting his options.
Real Madrid cannot afford to drop points against Villarreal if they want to remain in the title race. However, Mourinho has issues to deal with in the squad, which could lead him to turn to Camavinga for a crucial role.
Camavinga could replace Tchouameni in midfield
The 23-year-old star could line up as the defensive midfielder in the double pivot, with Bernardo Silva or Arda Guler alongside him, and will be tasked with providing balance in midfield.
Real Madrid face Villarreal with several problems in central defence. Ibrahima Konate is expected to be a late call, leading Mourinho to consider moving Aurelien Tchouameni into defence alongside Antonio Rudiger.
Meanwhile, Federico Valverde could also struggle to be ready after the ankle injury he sustained in the derby before the international break.
The Uruguayan has continued to work individually away from the group and might return to group training tomorrow. Even then, his readiness to start remains in question.
That would leave a place open in midfield, with Camavinga in line to fill in.
Camavinga impressed during the international break
Camavinga has started only one match this season, the defeat against Real Betis.
Despite his limited opportunities, Mourinho is keen to bring the Frenchman back into the fold after he impressed for France during the international break.
Zinedine Zidane called the Real Madrid star up for his first France squad, and the midfielder performed well during the break.
That has given Mourinho and Real Madrid reason to be optimistic about using him against Villarreal, with the hope that he can move closer to the level he showed after first arriving at the club.
Therefore, the Villarreal match could represent an important test for Camavinga and a chance for the Frenchman to show that he can provide the balance Real Madrid need in midfield.
