It’s been a blistering rise to stardom for Aurelien Tchouameni since arriving at Monaco from Bordeaux in the summer of 2020. The 21-year-old’s fantastic 2020/21 campaign saw him earn a spot in Didier Deschamps’ France squad for the first time in September and, continuing his form into the new campaign, he’s been linked with some of Europe’s top clubs, including Real Madrid.
Real Madrid Aurelien Tchouameni Rumour is a Match Made in Heaven
A Midfield in Need of Refurbishment
Real Madrid have long had an untouchable midfield. For the past seven years, the partnership of Luka Modric and Toni Kroos has been a dominant one. A combination of tenacity, dynamism and sheer precision has been the heartbeat of a team riddled with superstars throughout the majority of the 2010s.
However, the 2020/21 season brought with it evidence of ageing. The two maestros’ leggy displays against top opposition – notably during the two legs of the Champions League semi-final against eventual winners Chelsea – were all too noticeable.
Meanwhile, the base of Los Blancos’ esteemed midfield trio, Casemiro, will not long follow suit. The Brazilian is 29 years of age and was also caught out when faced with dynamic opposition last term. After all, the saying rings true; all good things must come to an end.
It’s still a Galactico midfield teeming with quality, but it’s one wandering well beyond its prime physical shape – that is evident. And in an attempt to avoid another season of midfield despondency, Real Madrid must embark upon a period of focused transition.
Investing in Youth
After seemingly being linked with the club since the moment he was born, Golden Boy nominee Eduardo Camavinga finally secured a switch to the Santiago Bernabeu this summer in a deal worth around €40 million. It was a significant move towards implementing a new generation at the heart of the Real side. And now more needs to be done.
Tchouameni has entered his own little transfer saga since coming to the fore in European football. The 21-year-old has been linked to Premier League sides Chelsea, Manchester United, Manchester City and Liverpool alongside interest from elsewhere in Europe’s top five leagues.
However, Real Madrid would be wise to overcome rival suitors and match Monaco’s reported €60 million asking price to acquire the Frenchman’s services.
Alongside his stunning Ligue 1 form for Monaco, Tchouameni’s recent performances for the French national team have certified his status as one of our continent’s brightest prospects. Since his international debut in September, there hasn’t been a Les Bleus fixture in which he hasn’t featured.
Tchouameni Proving His Worth
And, for the first time in his young international career, Tchouameni completed 90 minutes on the field as France overcame Spain to lift the second-ever edition of the Nations League. The Monaco midfielder was a standout performer – again.
Mesmerizingly mature, doggedly destructive and the epitome of efficiency, Tchouameni was machine-like alongside Paul Pogba in the France engine room. The midfielder was integral in stifling a plucky and creative Spanish side, winning four aerial duels and making six ball recoveries throughout (via whoscored.com). One of those tackles included a last-gasp challenge on Gavi, who found himself through on goal before the seemingly unremitting leg of Tchouameni cut across and prodded the ball to safety.
The 21-year-old was also composed and effective on the ball, recycling possession to great effect throughout. However, most importantly, he provided that protective presence that gave the almost enigmatic Pogba the license to dazzlingly express his unquantifiable creativity that we are treated so regularly – in a France shirt, that is. Tchouameni was a rock within a glory-achieving side at the highest level – and he looked totally at home throughout.
And that is how Tchouameni can prove crucial for Real Madrid in the years to come. Throughout his fledgling career, he has rapidly progressed into a textbook midfield anchor and, now stating his case for a regular starting spot at the heart of the reigning World champions, Tchouameni’s links to Real Madrid make perfect sense.
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