Atletico superstar defends underfire Real Madrid midfielder ahead of derby – ‘Sometimes it is too much’ | OneFootball

Speaking to Movistar, Atletico Madrid superstar Antoine Griezmann defended Real Madrid midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni ahead of the weekend’s derby in La Liga.

Tchouameni, 24, has come under intense criticism this season due to his inconsistent performances, with the Frenchman struggling in his natural role in midfield as well as a makeshift centre-back.

Griezmann stands in support of Tchouameni

Griezmann, though, stood in support of the Real Madrid midfielder, stating that it is not always easy for a player to get accustomed to a new position on the fly.

“In the end, he is doing a very tough job because he is not a central defender. Everyone is criticising him for playing as a central defender,” said Griezmann.

Griezmann has defended Tchouameni. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)

“Whereas when he plays in midfield, he is being compared to Kroos, but he does not have the same style of play. I believe people are being too harsh with him, but I really like him as a player and even more so as a person.”

Continuing to defend Tchouameni, the Atletico Madrid forward added: “He is being criticised, and I believe sometimes it is too much. It seems that people are always looking for someone to criticise, and in the end, it is him. It seems like the easiest thing to do.

“It is like if I started playing as a pivot. I would do it, but it is not my position. Sometimes I would make mistakes because it is not my position. People need to be less harsh on him and try to help him, because I believe he is a player for Real Madrid.”

Griezmann and Tchouameni will face each other on the pitch at the Santiago Bernabeu this weekend as Real Madrid host Atletico Madrid in La Liga.