Aurelien Tchouameni breaks silence on Real Madrid controversy

Aurelien Tchouameni could very well be the signing of the summer. Real Madrid brought him in from AS Monaco and the expectation was that the French midfielder would be given time to settle into Carlo Ancelotti’s team. But Casemiro’s unexpected exit to Manchester United meant that the new signing was slotted into the starting XI almost immediately and he has thrived under that pressure.

Tchouameni has been one of Real Madrid’s best players this season and is already an undisputed starter for the club.

While Tchouameni has shined, there is another Frenchman at the club who has had to face his struggles in recent times. It is none other than Karim Benzema, the current Ballon d’Or holder, whose season has been stop-start at best, as he has spent multiple spells out on the sidelines.

There had been certain suggestions as well that Benzema was not playing in recent games because he did not want to risk an injury and not be 100 per cent at the World Cup. Ancelotti was quick to rubbish those claims and now, Tchouameni has gone the same route. As reported by Marca, he said:

"“He is used to criticism and if he didn’t play the last few matches then it’s because he wasn’t 100 percent.“He is calm and understands his body well.“He knows that he’ll be able to help the team when he’s ready.“Karim is the best player in the world and has demonstrated this for some time. It’s a pleasure to play in his team.”"

Tchouameni defends Benzema amidst Real Madrid controversy

To be very honest, Benzema’s injury problems should come as a surprise to no one as the French striker has been playing continuous football for Los Blancos for quite some time now.

He is set to turn 35 years of age soon though and can no longer continue playing twice every week, without risking injury problems. And we have seen him struggle this season, badly.

According to stats from Transfermarkt, Benzema has made just 12 appearances this season for Real Madrid until now, scoring 6 goals and providing an assist in the process.

The biggest problem is that Real Madrid have no real cover for Benzema. Mariano Diaz does not seem to be in the manager’s plans, which has led to Rodrygo being converted into a forward in the absence of the Ballon d’Or winner.