In Focus: Rising star Tchouameni is the Real deal for Madrid

Aurelien Tchouameni has completed his big-money move to Real Madrid from Monaco.

The 22-year-old rising star is bursting with potential. And following a successful spell in Ligue 1, the sky is the limit for the defensive midfielder.

Tchouameni’s arrival forms part of Real’s midfield revamp alongside academy graduate Federico Valverde, 23, and Eduardo Camavinga, 19.

We take a look at their new recruit and how he will fit into Carlo Ancelotti’s plans for the European and Spanish champions next season.

Impressive numbers

The huge price tag brings high expectations for Tchouameni, coupled with the pressure to perform in front of the demanding fans at the Bernabeu.

His numbers from last season in a Monaco shirt were impressive and there should be no problems in settling in if he can replicate that form in Madrid.

Tchouameni’s position and style of play compare most similarly to Casemiro, meaning he will have big boots to fill as the Brazilian is integral in his role shielding Real's defence.

He ranked top in Ligue 1 for interceptions, averaging 3.1 per 90 minutes in his 35 league appearances, which compares favourably to Casemiro’s 1.33 per 90.

Tchouameni has made slightly fewer tackles than the South American veteran, with his numbers last season equalling the likes of Paris Saint-Germain’s Marco Verratti and Bruno Guimaraes before he departed Lyon.

Adaptation

Tchouameni racked up 50 appearances in all competitions for Monaco last season, missing only three games.

Real’s central midfield trio of Toni Kroos, Luka Modric and Casemiro have been exceptional performers, winning 14 Champions League titles between them.

But with the trio now all aged over 30, it is no surprise to see Los Blancos snap up a marquee signing for the future in this position.

It remains to be seen how soon Tchouameni will make an impact in the starting XI, given he may need time to adapt in his first season outside of his homeland.

But given the size of his fee — an initial £68.3million — he has clearly been earmarked to play more than a bit-part role next season.

As highlighted in his heat map above, Tchouameni covers a lot of ground in midfield, particularly in the deeper area on the left side that is usually occupied by Kroos.

While it is likely Ancelotti will rotate him with Casemiro, he can also fill in for the German, who missed eight league games through injury in 2021-22.

Tchouameni has played on the left in defensive midfield for his national team recently, starting there in France’s 2-1 loss to Denmark and their 1-1 draw against Croatia in the Nations League.

With a wealth of experience under his belt already, playing in 95 games for Monaco across the past two seasons as well as making nine international appearances, it will be no surprise to see Tchouameni adapt with ease in LaLiga. 

Bright future

Madrid’s new generation of Galacticos is taking shape and their signing of Tchouameni demonstrates a real signal of intent.

After securing a record 14th Champions League title and finishing 13 points ahead of Barcelona last term, there is no better time for the Bernabeu club to build on their success.

Tchouameni's transfer is certainly sensible business, considering their ageing midfield and his potential at an early stage of his career. 

There is a bright future ahead for the Frenchman and his new club as they look to retain their titles at home and abroad.