Real Madrid have had some really bad performers to start this season, and because of that, they need reinforcements. Some of them have received a major and much-needed boost in form since the turn of the year that has made this season better than it could've been.
It still has not been enough, but the form of a few players has improved massively.
Kylian Mbappe is the first name that pops up in everyone's head. He was just not performing all that well to start the season - lacking confidence, goals and a bit of everything.
In 2025, we have seen a different version of Mbappe, and that was shown once again in Real Madrid's win over Celta Vigo on Sunday.
He has been the one positive for most of the season - but even he has had a few really bad moments.
Mbappe is not the most improved player of 2025, though, for Real Madrid. It is his French teammate.
Aurelien Tchouameni has been an absolute revelation at Real Madrid in 2025
Tchouameni was one of Real Madrid's worst players to start the season, with constant lapses in concentration hampering his season. He was also tasked with a lot in midfield, and was not able to do as much, which took a hit on his confidence.
Carlo Ancelotti played him as a defensive pivot once, where he was not at his best. Then he was tested as a central defender, which was even worse.
However, Tchouameni really worked on his game and his confidence since the turn of the year, and now everyone is seeing the actual Tchouameni that everyone loves - in any position.
The Frenchman played as a midfielder, and then as a center-back against Barcelona, and he played really well in both positions. Tchouameni started as a defender against Celta Vigo, and he was one of the best players on the pitch.
The last time he played as a pivot for the entire game was against Getafe, where he was great once again. It has been an absolute joy to watch Tchouameni play, and it is great to see him back in form.
The level which he was at compared to where he is now has an astronomical difference, and it is tough to do that when you are already not known for getting plaudits. It also does not help that Tchouameni plays the toughest position in football, which made it even tougher.
Real Madrid fans would be glad to have him and Mbappe in form again, but it is also worth saying that they needed stuff like this from other players too.