Meet Real’s new central defender – Tchouameni

It could be said that in a way, Karim Benzema’s move to Saudi Arabia was the beginning of a series of problems for Real Madrid this season. And off course, when talking about the Spanish giants, you should be aware that their ‘problems’ are not the same as other teams’ problems. For now, Madrid is the first in La Liga with only one defeat, and they have secured both wins in the Champions League (Union Berlin, Napoli). But when Benzema left, they suddenly remained with only one recognized center-forward – Joselu. So far, they have controlled that situation with goals from Bellingham and Vinicius Jr. Then a number of injuries occurred on the left back position. David Alaba, Ferland Mendy, so coach Carlo Ancelotti had to improvise and put Eduard Camavinga on that spot, where he excelled so much, that Mendy remained on the bench.

And now he has another problem – center back. Without Militao (who is gone for the season), and with Alaba still not 100% fit, Ancelotti has only one center back (not including youngsters from the Academy) available. So, he might give Aurelien Tchouaméni an advantage over Mendy.

“Alaba is not at his best yet. He will not play. We have three options. Mendy or Tchouaméni are the options. The concern of the match is not this, it is that we are playing against a very organized opponent. We have tried Tchouaméni as a center back these days and he has a defensive attitude. He is good in duels and heading. The movement is different from that of the middle. The other is Mendy because he is used to playing in the back line” said the Italian tactician.

Alaba the middle man between Davies and Real Madrid

The advantages of playing one or the other player are clear to all who watch Real Madrid. Even thou he is a midfielder by profession, Tchouaméni has the football intelligence, size and height for the position, and he is good in arial duels too. But the problems is his rookie status in center-back position, and that is why Ancelloti is contemplating putting Mendy in. Unlike former Monaco midfielder, the Frenchman is a defender by nature, and has already played as a center-back twice this season. Apart from being strong, he has great reaction speed and is great in one-on-one situations. His problems are getting the ball out and his decision making, contrary to Tchouameni.

LA LIGA - MATCHDAY

Friday

Ath.Bilbao - Almeria 3-0 (1-0)

/Guruzeta 10, Garcia 63, Sancet 81/

Saturday

15.00: (3.20) Cadiz (3.40) Girona (2.32)

17.15: (1.34) Real Madrid (5.50) Osasuna (10.0)

19.30: (2.55) Mallorca (3.20) Valencia (3.20)

22.00: (1.94) Sevilla (3.60) Rayo Vallecano (4.50)

Sunday

15.00: (1.68) Villareal (4.00) Las Palmas (6.00)

17.15: (2.04) Atl.Madrid (3.50) Sociedad (4.20)

19.30: (2.90) Alaves (3.00) Betis (2.78)

19.30: (2.19) Celta (3.25) Getafe (3.90)

22.00: (7.50) Granada (4.60) Barcelona (1.46)

***odds are subject to change***