Real Madrid News
Tchouameni to contest with Real Madrid veteran for defensive-midfield position
As Real Madrid gear up for the forthcoming campaign, Carlo Ancelotti continues to draw up the squad list that he will carry into next season.
Last season, Madrid faced a dilemma in the defensive midfield department, as Tchouameni’s bright first half of the campaign was marred with a dip in performances, which led the coach to start Kroos as the starting 6.
With the conclusion of the pre-season US tour, it appears the duo will continue to battle it out for a spot at the base of the midfield.
Tchouaméni and Kroos will be contesting for the defensive midfield position once again this season.
Tchouameni’s resurgence
Los Blancos acquired the midfielder for a whopping fee of €80 million plus another €20 million only last year, as he arrived to take over Casemiro’s throne.
While he had a stellar first few months in Spain, his performance quickly dipped in the second part of his debut season, costing him his starting spot.
However, an outstanding upside for Madrid in the pre-season was recovering a version of Aurelien Tchouameni that resembled something close to his best after his decline in the second half of the last season.
In light of his resurgence, offering him more regularity would be the ideal move to further the Frenchman’s development.
While Kroos has the potential to offer guidance and ease the burden off the Tchouameni, he has shown clear struggles defensively in this position, as was especially observed in last season’s Champions League affair against Manchester City.
As such, providing Tchouameni with a starting role, with Kroos playing second fiddle would be a sensible approach, as the German enters the final stage of his career and the Frenchman proceeds to grow in maturity.
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.
