Real Madrid lacks competition for defensive midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni. Therefore, the potential signing of Ayyoub Bouaddi could put the Frenchman on his toes.
Healthy competition is what all good teams have. Tchouameni does not need to be guaranteed to start every week. Bouaddi would not be the preferred option for Los Blancos in the holding midfield role initially. However, he could succeed Tchouameni one day.
Tchouameni is only 26, so he is in his prime. The holding midfield role was his last season, playing in 49 games in all competitions. The only matches he missed were due to the occasional injury or suspension.
He is also the defensive midfielder for his country. He played 90 minutes as France defeated Senegal in their opening game of the World Cup. Tchouameni is expected to start again as Les Bleus play Iraq tonight.
Who is Ayyoub Bouaddi?
Bouaddi is only 18, so he would be able to learn from Tchouameni. He also already appears talented enough to fill in for Tchouameni when needed.
Despite his age, Bouaddi has played 96 times for Lille. He was instrumental last season, helping them to finish third in Ligue 1. With Bouaddi in midfield, Lille also got to the last 16 of the Europa League before losing to eventual winners Aston Villa.
Bouaddi is a central midfielder who favors the defensive side of the game. He was born in France and represented them up to the Under-21 level. However, he has switched international allegiance and is now with Morocco at the World Cup.
He has helped the Moroccans to an unbeaten start to the World Cup. They drew 1-1 with Brazil before defeating Scotland 1-0. They will be much fancied against Haiti in their final group game.
Due to Bouaddi's immense potential, he has been linked with all the top clubs in Europe. This includes the likes of Barcelona, Arsenal, Paris Saint-Germain, and Bayern Munich. Preventing him from joining Barca would be a real win for Los Blancos supporters.
Real Madrid are on the back of two trophyless seasons. They have turned to Jose Mourinho to get them back to winning ways. Mourinho appears to be a quick fix to win silverware next season. Signing Bouaddi would help Real Madrid instantly. However, he could also be their long-term defensive midfielder.
Los Blancos have not always appreciated holding midfielders, as they let Claude Makelele join Chelsea back in 2003. Bouaddi could be for Mourinho at Real Madrid what Makelele was for the Portuguese coach at Stamford Bridge.
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