Ancelotti sees €100 million-rated Real Madrid midfielder more as a defender than a pivot – report | OneFootball

According to a recent report from Mundo Deportivo, it has been learned that Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti sees Aurelien Tchouameni more as a centre-back than a defensive pivot.

It is to be noted that despite being a central midfielder by trade, his best performances have come when he has been used in the heart of the defence, where he has been a regular starter for four consecutive matches.

On the other hand, when Tchouameni has been asked to play as a defensive pivot, doubts about his effectiveness have continued to arise.

Ancelotti’s favourite

In recent weeks, Ancelotti has found himself defending Tchouameni following some criticism of his performances in midfield.

His struggles in the central midfield role have attracted negative attention, especially after Real Madrid suffered a defeat against Athletic Bilbao.

Aurelien Tchouameni has been Carlo Ancelotti’s trump card. (Photo by JAVIER SORIANO/AFP via Getty Images)

This loss marked a shift in the relationship between Ancelotti and Tchouameni. That match was the last time Tchouameni played as a pivot, and since then, the Frenchman has been deployed as a centre-back alongside Antonio Rudiger.

The result has been a much-improved form for both Tchouameni and the team, with Madrid winning three out of the four games and drawing one.

A blessing in disguise

Last season, Ancelotti had to turn to Tchouameni in a defensive role after injuries to key players like Militao and Alaba.

With Real Madrid currently facing a series of injuries, Ancelotti has once again relied on Tchouameni in defence. In fact, his decision to keep the Frenchman in the centre-back role is one of the key talking points for Madrid this season.

While the Frenchman is primarily known as a defensive midfielder, his recent form as a centre-back has provided a vital boost to Real Madrid’s defence.

Ancelotti’s faith in him to fill this role has been proven effective, and Tchouameni’s importance to the team continues to grow, especially in a season full of challenges.

*Player valuation in title obtained from transfermarkt.com on the date of publication.