After a successful 2021/22 season, it does not look like Real Madrid are taking their foot off the gas pedal as they have been quite busy in the transfer market so far as they already have made massive signings to bolster their squad ahead of the new season.
The 14-time Champions League winners made their first summer signing in the form of Antonio Rudiger, as the German defender signed for Real Madrid on a free transfer and is undoubtedly a solid addition to enhance Los Blancos’ defense.
Their second summer signing is Monaco’s Aurelien Tchouameni, with Real Madrid confirming the signing of the 22-year-old midfielder on a six-year contract with the Spanish giants forking up a massive transfer fee of €80 million to acquire his services.
While it’s an enormous transfer fee to get over, Tchouameni is a quality player with loads to offer to Real Madrid. The Frenchman will add much-needed energy to Madrid’s midfield and possess strong qualities that will prove to be an asset – such as his excellent technical quality, athleticism, and defensive capabilities.
Given the historic midfield trident of Luka Modric, Toni Kroos, and Casemiro, it remains to be seen whether or not Tchouameni will be given a significant role in the starting lineup; however, with Real Madrid paying a heavy investment on the former Monaco man, and with the need for the club to reinvigorate their aging midfield, Tchouameni could be granted significant minutes under Carlo Ancelotti in the upcoming season.
With that said, here are three possible lineups in which Tchouameni can be incorporated into Real Madrid’s starting eleven for the upcoming season.
A defensive midfielder in the 4-3-3 formation
Courtois
Carvajal – Rudiger – Alaba – Mendy
Modric – Tchouameni – Kroos
Valverde – Benzema – Vinicius
During his time in Monaco, Tchouameni primarily operated on the left side of a double pivot. While Ancelotti doesn’t necessarily use a dual pivot in his system at Real Madrid, we’ll likely see the continuation of the tried and tested 4-3-3 formation in the upcoming season.
With no need to step away from this system as it has been working wonders and provides Los Blancos with a perfect balance, Tchouameni operating in the Casemiro role makes perfect sense for this lineup.
The Frenchman embodies the perfect traits of a modern-day defensive midfielder. Physical, combative, aggressive, quick, and a great passer, Tchouameni has what it takes to excel as a lone defensive midfielder in Ancelotti’s setup.
Furthermore, the 22-year-old’s statistics from the previous season were rather impressive, as they more than prove he’s capable of operating as a defensive midfielder.
Courtesy of Fbref, Tchouameni ranked in the top percentiles in nearly every defensive statistic, with his most standout numbers being his 3.56 interceptions and 2.92 tackles per 90.
Moreover, having experienced veterans such as Modric and Kroos alongside Tchouameni in the midfield will only enhance the Frenchman’s ability, and that’s ultimately crucial in his development as a young player.