Tchouaméni Unleashed: The Pivot Maestro at Real Madrid and the Alaba Conundrum

Tchouaméni’s preferred role and how Madrid wants him to express himself

French international Aurélien Tchouaméni has clearly stated his preference to operate as a holding midfielder, rather than at centre-back or in an attacking midfield role. He remains one of Real Madrid’s standout performers, contributing to several major titles in recent seasons.

In a conversation quoted by Lequipe, the 24-year-old noted that although he has already won a lot with Madrid early on, his hunger persists: more La Liga glory and more Champions League triumphs lie ahead.

When Madrid signed him, the plan was to let him play in his own way—to be Tchouaméni, not merely a creative player who doubles as a defensive midfielder. He stressed that the objective is to harness his strengths rather than force him into a rigid mould.

“Everyone knows their role in the team and performs it well,” he said. “If you start changing your style because of others’ opinions, you risk losing yourself. What matters most is where you played, how long you played, and how many titles you’ve won.”

He recalled a first-day moment when Xabi Alonso connected with him via video, showing positioning clips and areas to improve, along with ball work. That session helped him feel his game evolving in several facets.

Regarding the crowd’s whistles, he explained that last season he lined up as a centre-back in a Clasico and, once back in his usual role, realized he hadn’t performed at his best and shouldered responsibility for it.

“The day before a match with Celta Vigo I told myself we’d see what happened at the Bernabéu. In the warm-up nothing out of the ordinary happened. We started the game in midfield and I was very confident because this is my position. When I received the ball, the chants began. It wasn’t easy to pick up on TV, and we even heard boos aimed at Lucas Vázquez. You have two choices: get angry or stay true to your game. I chose to play my way, and I felt I delivered a strong performance that day.”

He added: “I love playing at number six because I enjoy having space in front of me to receive passes and decide where to position myself based on the empty spaces.”

Preparations for the upcoming period

Madrid’s coach Xabi Alonso faces a significant challenge in managing the squad in the coming weeks, with possible absences of Din Husien, Kylian Mbappé, and Eduardo Camavinga from the lineup. Medical tests will determine whether Husien needs a short spell of rest or a longer recovery period, echoing a scenario seen last October.

Madrid resumes the campaign with a home clash against Elche on November 23, followed by a decisive Champions League game against Olympiakos on the 26th, then a meeting to defend the league summit vs Girona on the 30th. Alonso could turn to Militao and Asensio to fill Husien’s potential absence, while midfield choices will hinge heavily on Camavinga’s readiness.

Alaba faces a pivotal moment

Real Madrid also gears up for a critical stretch with David Alaba, long regarded as a defensive cornerstone, now contending with a run of injuries. With his contract due to expire next June, the Austrian defender remains among the club’s highest earners and knows he must stay available to secure any potential extension.

Management faces a crucial decision: can Alaba reclaim the rhythm that defined his first season and helped win the Champions League, or will injuries and form create insurmountable concerns? The future may hinge on more than performance alone and touch on whether the club envisions a continued central role for him in Madrid’s plans.

The multi-talented pillar

Alaba has long proven his value across positions since bursting onto the scene with Bayern Munich, transitioning to Real Madrid and establishing himself as one of the world’s premier defenders despite recurring injury setbacks in recent years. He remains a versatile defender, a leader for Austria, and one of the most decorated players of his generation.

His journey from Bayern to Madrid showcases the adaptability that Madrid prizes: a defender who can adapt across the backline, a captain in international play, and a key figure in a squad that continually retools to stay competitive.

As Madrid navigates a demanding calendar, the balance between giving players rest, preserving form, and maintaining title ambitions will define the club’s trajectory. The looming decisions on Alaba and the ongoing development of Tchouaméni will be central to whether Madrid sustains its elite level this season.

Punchlines

— If patience were a midfield position, Tchouaméni would be the pivot who never sits still until the game tilts in his favor.

— And if Alaba’s injuries keep him on the sidelines, Madrid might just rename the locker room the “Swiss Army Knife Wing”—useful, but you still have to open the drawer and find the blade.