Real Madrid News
Real Madrid’s 23-year-old midfielder will start against Athletic Club – report
According to reports from MARCA, Aurelien Tchouameni is going to start against Athletic Club in Real Madrid’s first La Liga game of the season. His presence from the opening minute is guaranteed.
The Spanish media outlet adds that the French midfielder has returned to his best level and has convinced everyone at the club.
His current form is similar to that which he showed in the initial days after his arrival which secured him a place in Ancelotti’s plans.
Redemption season for Tchouameni?
Despite starting on the right foot last season, Tchouameni lost his footing after the FIFA World Cup.
His prominence under Ancelotti saw a steep drop in 2023, and he was relegated to the bench for several crucial clashes.
The 23-year-old defensive midfielder completed the league season with just 24 starts under his belt and an average of 65 minutes per appearance. He provided four assists in the process and averaged 0.7 key passes per game.
Stiff competition for Tchouameni
Most of Ancelotti’s midfield options ply their trade higher up the field compared to the French international.
However, the one player competing directly with Tchouameni for the defensive midfield position is Toni Kroos.
The German international has played as an advanced midfielder for most of his career. As he ages, the veteran sees a transition to a deeper role as a favourable change.
Kroos has shown to have the skill set to operate as a pivot in his few performances in the position last season. It is safe to say that the veteran will be Tchouameni’s biggest competitor at Real Madrid.
It is thus essential that the youngster takes his chances with both hands. With a start in Real Madrid’s curtain-raiser guaranteed, the ball is now in the Frenchman’s park to prove his worth and level to the manager.
There just does not appear to be any respite from injuries for Real Madrid.
Just when it appeared that they were close to having their full squad – barring the two long-term absentees – the Merengues have been struck down by fresh injuries this week.
Arda Guler, who was on the cusp of being named in the squad for the Las Palmas clash, injured himself in training on Tuesday.
And now, during the game against Las Palmas at the Santiago Bernabeu, Real Madrid have lost key defender David Alaba to an injury.
Close to the 40th-minute mark, Alaba went down on the ground clutching his leg and appeared to be in quite a bit of discomfort.
Soon enough, the medical staff arrived to take a look at the Austrian and seconds later he was off the pitch and straight towards the tunnel.
Lucas Vazquez came on to replace the injured Alaba, with Nacho Fernandez moving into the centre-back position alongside Antonio Rudiger.
Alaba’s injury leaves Carlo Ancelotti with just two fit centre-backs in Rudiger and Nacho, which is set to be a matter of great concern.
The hope will be that Alaba’s condition is nothing serious and that he is able to mount a quick recovery.
