Aurélien Tchouaméni emerges as Real Madrid midfield leader and earns dressing-room respect | OneFootball

Aurélien Tchouaméni has stepped up at Real Madrid over more than a year, his consistency making him the midfield figurehead. According to L'Équipe, he is now seen as an undisputed presence in the side.

Media and fans in Madrid increasingly view him as the new Casemiro, who won 5 Champions Leagues from 2013 to 2022. Against Casemiro’s 2021-2022 numbers, Tchouaméni leads in duels won, 66% to 59%, aerials, 73% to 68%, pass accuracy, 91.6% to 86%, passes into the final 30 metres, 86% to 77%, and interceptions per match, 1.8 to 1.5.

Former Real defender Rafael Alkorta, now a pundit, regards him as the club’s most consistent player alongside Thibaut Courtois and says it is impossible to leave him out.

Moreno notes clear improvement on the ball, from once seeking the quick, easy option under pressure to retaining it, lifting his head and picking the best pass. At a club where the pressure is colossal, turning that into collective calm is priceless. Tchouaméni has reached maturity at 26.

Alkorta believes he now shoulders responsibility across the team, not only in his role. Moreno adds that he shows, rather than proclaims, authority in tough moments and in how he carries team-mates. They say he has earned the dressing room’s quiet respect and moved from a 2022 prospect to indispensable.

Source: L'Équipe