In recent months, Aurélien Tchouameni has been the target of criticisms concerning his performance in Real Madrid. After a first part of the season deemed disappointing, the French midfielder was pointed out for his lack of impact on the game and defensive errors. Some observers have questioned its ability to adapt to the style of play of the Madrid club, evoking positioning problems and a certain indecision between the offensive and defensive phases. These criticisms have fueled speculation about its future within the team, some media even mentioning a cloakroom divided about it and a possible departure during the next summer transfer window. Within the French team, Aurélien Tchouameni also faced criticism of his recent performances. Appointed temporary captain in October 2024 in the absence of Kylian Mbappé, he experienced contrasting services. After a satisfactory performance against Israel (4-1 victory), Tchouameni was less convincing against Belgium, a match during which he was expelled in the 76th minute after a second yellow card. This expulsion has aroused questions about his ability to assume the role of leader within the Blues. His injury to the left ankle in November 2024 forced him to declare for the following matches, thus limiting his ability to meet expectations and dispel doubts on his level of play.
Author of a new mixed copy in Split, during the first leg, Aurélien Tchouaméni had once again been widely criticized. Present alongside Didier Deschamps at a press conference on Saturday, Aurélien Tchouaméni did not fail to respond to his detractors in front of the journalists: “Regarding my post, I have been changing positions lately. I played a little more at my post recently. But it was seen in the performances, I managed to gain power. Everyone can have the expectations they want. Do I understand or not? The most important thing for me is to be efficient and to meet the expectations of the coach. Perhaps the expectations of the outside are different from those of the coach. Everyone has the right to say what they think ”he said. But as we often say, after the words, make way for acts. And this Sunday, during the return handle at the Stade de France, the middle of Real Madrid dressed in the costume of big boss, in a very effective double pivot alongside Manu Koné.
An XXL service!
From the start of the meeting, he distinguished himself by being close to opening the scoring in the 16th minute, his head bordering on the opposing post. Throughout the match, Tchouameni played a key role in the high pressing of the French team, contributing to the domination of the Blues with 28 attempts to shoot against Croatia. He also showed composure during the penalty shootout, successfully transforming his attempt: “We are very happy to be able to qualify, to continue in this competition, we did not show a good face in the last match, especially in the first half, but we relied on what we did well in the second half to be serene for the match that was today, so we are happy to have passed. What made the difference? A little of everything, our commitment, our technical quality, our passage of pass, but our determination I think“, Detailed the French environment. This solid performance was decisive in the qualification of France for the Final Four of the competition, where they will face Spain in the semi-finals.
Symbol of its solidity. Aurélien Tchouameni won 15 of his 19 duels of the evening. He was also the author of four tackles, three interceptions and two clearances, while displaying 89% of successful passes in 122 affected balloons. A complete and perfect service to respond to its detractors: “The truth is that when I say that I do not listen to the criticisms, it is that it is not because someone says that I have a level of regional district 1, that it means that I have a level of regional district 1. Obviously the criticisms we hear, there is a difference between hearing them and listening to them. That's the difference. Obviously we made a better match than the last time, me too on a personal basis, but we played in front of our fans, in front of our audience and honestly, it really brought us a surplus of energy and it was seen today since I think everyone was scorching“, He concluded. After months to alternate between the good and the less good, Aurélien Tchouaméni sent a message this Sunday evening at the Stade de France. To the delight of Real Madrid who will recover a player with maximum confidence.
