Aurélien Tchouaméni — how the 22-year-old is quickly replacing Casemiro.
Aurélien Tchouaméni has been at Madrid for three months, but he plays like an experienced veteran.
When Tchouaméni first arrived in Madrid during the summer, the expectations were high. The more than €100m package it took to sign the former Monaco man, alongside being the heir to one of football’s best defensive midfielders, Casemiro, put weight on his shoulders. However, in his first six matches for Real Madrid, Aurélien Tchouaméni has managed to impress everyone. His defensive prowess, calmness on the ball, and leadership have allowed Los Bloncos to seamlessly transition from Casemiro to the Frenchmen.
This is how Aurélien Tchouaméni has fit into Madrid.
Improving Madrid’s counter-press
Madrid’s counter-press this season has been much improved from last. The press has been more intense and compact this season. Although the number of goals they’ve conceded early on might say otherwise, Ancelotti’s defensive structure is improving. According to understat, Madrid’s xGA per 90 has fallen from 1.2 to 1.0 in LaLiga. Although not an immense improvement, it shows signs of Madrid’s improving structure. Much of the credit must go to Tchouaméni.
Tchouaméni last season was one of Europe’s top pressers; this season has been no different thus far. Madrid’s No. 18 averages 14.4 presses per 90, with a success rate of 30 percent.
Tchouaméni’s arrival has seen Madrid press higher up the pitch. One of the main reasons for this is his adventurous positioning in possession. This is something Ancelotti has acknowledged numerous times. The Italian coach told reporters, “As we've said before, he's a player with a very different skill-set to Casemiro. He has character, he's good with the ball, and he plays well.” To solve the issue, Ancelotti has put trust in a higher press.
Another solution is the increasing role of Eduardo Camavinga. With both French internationals in midfield, Madrid has the luxury of creating a pivot. This was already something Ancelotti experimented with last season (the Camavinga-Fede pivot in the second leg vs PSG). With Camavinga in midfield, Tchouaméni has a partner he can interchange with.
As for Tchouaméni himself, his energy and intelligence make him an effective counter-presser. Slowly, Madrid’s defensive structure is becoming more compact and intense.
Providing last line cover
The biggest concern many had when Casemiro left was his hero-ball defending, which saved Madrid countless times during his nine years at the club. Tchouaméni is by no means Casemiro when it comes to covering the last line, but he still does a heck of a job.
Going back to a point made earlier, Tchouaméni roams a lot compared to the traditional 6. Sometimes this leaves holes in the midfield.
He makes up for this with his aggressive ball-winning. His performance against Betis showed this to the fullest extent.
The way Tchouaméni looks to win the ball back is different from Casemiro. The French midfielder takes more gambles, looking for interceptions. In contrast, the Brazilian became accustomed to hero-ball defending, especially in Zidane’s first stint and Ancelotti’s return. Tchouaméni recovers the ball more, but at the cost of providing less cover for the back line. Add to that Alaba, Militão, and Rüdiger’s aggressiveness, and you have a defensive line exposed at times.
Although Tchouaméni is not as good as Casemiro, he still provides excellent protection for the back line.
Bringing fluidity to build-up
One of the improvements Tchouaméni brings over Casemiro is his abilities on the ball. The Frenchman has better passing range and ball-carrying. He’s simply a better player on the ball than his predecessor.
For starters, Tchouaméni brings fluidity to Madrid’s build-up. Something they lacked with Casemiro. Tchouaméni can drop between the defenders, collect the ball from the defenders, or push higher up to create space for Kroos or Modrić to receive.
He gives the side flexibility. While Zidane and Ancelotti often sought creative solutions to Casemiro’s on-ball deficiencies, Tchouaméni is better suited to playing out the back. He’s press-resistant (to an extent) — Tchouaméni loves using his body to get out of tight spaces.
There have already been multiple instances of Tchouaméni spraying passes to the wingers in transition.
This makes Madrid's counter-attacks more efficient. Whereas Casemiro would have to play the pass to Kroos or Modrić, Tchouaméni can make the pass himself. This is key, as opponents look to create game plans to stop Vini Jr on the break. These split seconds can make a difference.
Tchouaméni is also making an impact in the final third. He already has an assist and is averaging 1.5 key passes per 90.
In possession, Aurélien Tchouaméni has improved Madrid, providing Ancelotti with another progressive midfielder.
It’s still early days for Aurélien Tchouaméni. Nevertheless, Madrid’s latest signing has exceeded all expectations so far. In a recent report by Fabrizio Romano, the Italian journalist said Tchouaméni was already influencing the dressing room of Los Merengues.
If the first handful of matches is what will come, Madrid has signed a genuine Rolls-Royce midfielder.
Good stuff. You can see how much Monaco is suffering with him gone.