From boos to applause – Real Madrid midfielder’s remarkable turnaround | OneFootball

It was January 16, when Aurelien Tchouameni stepped onto the pitch at the Santiago Bernabeu, for Real Madrid’s Copa del Rey clash against Celta Vigo, that he was greeted with boos and whistles from the stands.

The 25-year-old midfielder was given a hostile reception after the Merengues had succumbed to a horrific 5-2 defeat in the Spanish Super Cup finals at the hands of Barcelona in Saudi Arabia – a game where Tchouameni had started as a makeshift centre-back and struggled.

The French international had been on the receiving end of criticism before that this well, for his performances this season were far from consistent. But the boos from the Bernabeu stands was the lowest moment of his career.

So much so that, speculations about Real Madrid considering his departure in the summer transfer window started to grow. Manager Carlo Ancelotti, though, never lost his faith in the midfielder.

Tchouameni’s remarkable turnaround

Fast forward to today, though, any debate over Tchouameni’s place in the team has vanished. After his lowest moment, fans are again getting to see the best version of the 25-year-old.

After a brilliant display versus Atletico Madrid in the Euroderbi last week, Tchouameni followed it up with another stellar performance against Rayo Vallecano on Sunday.

Back to his dominant best. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

Against Inigo Perez’s men, Tchouameni not only ran and dictated play but did exactly what Carlo Ancelotti expects from him. The Frenchman finished the game with eight ball recoveries, four interceptions, two clearances, and six duels won.

The former AS Monaco midfielder was strong in challenges, sharp in his positioning and anticipation, and composed in possession.

Tchouameni also played a key role in Real Madrid’s opener, winning possession in his own half before threading a vertical pass that bypassed the opposition’s press, allowing Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr. to combine for the goal.

Returning to his best

Tchouameni’s recent performances are no anomaly – they have become the norm. Against Atletico Madrid, he made seven recoveries and four interceptions.

Even in the disappointing draw with Real Betis, he stood out with five recoveries, two interceptions, three clearances, and six duels won.

Coming back stronger. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images)

While playing as a centre-back against Real Sociedad, he managed five recoveries, one interception, and nine clearances. Before that, against Girona, in his natural midfield role, he produced another commanding display.

Physically dominant and brimming with confidence, he looks like a transformed player.

Speaking after Sunday’s win, Ancelotti spoke about Tchouameni’s turnaround, saying: “I haven’t spoken to him. He has a very strong character and personality. He is a very serious and professional worker.

“He’s handled the criticism very well and now he’s doing very well. Without the ball he is spectacular, needless to say.”

Despite the waves of criticism coming at him from all corners, including the Real Madrid fans, Tchouameni was unfazed and did not let it affect him, staying confident in his own abilities and quality.

Now, the 25-year-old French international has managed to turn those boos from the stands to applause.