Aurelien Tchouameni shows he is ready for the step up to Real Madrid
Real Madrid have spent at least 80 million euros to bring Aurelien Tchouameni to the Santiago Bernabeu. Tchouameni is the next great midfielder at the 6 position, though, really, he is already great. He was the best midfielder in Ligue 1 last season, and at 22 years old, his progress could accelerate further, especially at Real.
Despite Tchouameni’s impressive accomplishments, which include 2.9 interceptions per game in Ligue 1 with a pass completion percentage near 87, he has received criticism for being overpriced. People even created “fail” compilations of simple passes in an effort to make him look bad. Pathetic behavior.
When examining Tchouameni’s skill-set and the transfer market dynamics at play, Tchouameni clearly was not overpriced.
And in response to the critics of his play for France, Tchouameni provided an immediate response against a Real Madrid icon, going toe-to-toe with Luka Modric when France faced Croatia in the UEFA Nations League.
Aurelien Tchouameni was class for France vs. Croatia
In just one half of play, Tchouameni dominated. He dictated the game for France upon his arrival to the midfield, which is no short task against Luka Modric, Marcelo Brozovic, and former Madridista Mateo Kovacic. Those are three of the best in the world.
France needed some help after starting the likes of Adrien Rabiot and Matteo Guendouzi. Though it was the defensive Boubacar Kamara whom Tchouameni entered the pitch for. He was a major upgrade.
Tchouameni recorded two interceptions and two key passes in just 45 minutes of play. He also added a tackle, shot on target, dribble completed, and foul drawn. As a passer, Tchouameni looked world-class, completing nearly 97 percent of his 59 attempts. In a full match, he would have easily cleared 100 passes at that clip.
Beyond the numbers, he had one beautiful, crucial tackle in his own box that turned heads.
The all-around stats show you that Tchouameni can be a special player. This was a marquee matchup pitting the last two World Cup finalists, and Tchouameni came in the game and was an immediate upgrade for a France side that has struggled lately under Didier Deschamps’ awful leadership, quizzical team selection, and misguided tactics.
For Real Madrid, Tchouameni will get to work with a more consistent XI and a much more accomplished manager. Real Madrid is the big-time, with all due respect to what Tchou achieved at Monaco in helping them finish third in Ligue 1.
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This performance is a quick reminder of the quality Tchoaumeni brings to the table. And if there were any doubts about his ability to make the step up to Madrid, Tchouameni dispelled them on Monday. His ability to command the pitch and dictate play will be perfect for Madrid. It was important for him to show those traits in taking on responsibility on the big stage as a midfielder.