Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has reportedly expressed a preference for Aurélien Tchouaméni as a central defensive partner for Antonio Rüdiger. After playing alongside young Raúl Asensio, who is replacing Éder Militão this season due to a serious injury, the Belgian shot-stopper seems to favor the experience and solidity that the French midfielder can provide when repositioned in defense.
Like last season, Real Madrid has started this campaign plagued by injuries. Following Dani Carvajal’s ACL injury, Éder Militão suffered a similar setback, forcing Carlo Ancelotti to rethink his defensive plans. While Raúl Asensio, a promising talent from the reserve team, has shown potential, his inexperience in high-stakes matches appears to concern Courtois.
Tchouaméni: A Reassuring Choice for Courtois
According to sources close to the club, Courtois was impressed by Aurélien Tchouaméni’s performance last Saturday against Girona, where he was repositioned as a central defender. More mature and experienced, the Frenchman provides a sense of stability and reassures his teammates, unlike Raúl Asensio, who still struggles to handle the pressure in high-stakes matches.
During the game against Athletic Bilbao, Courtois was reportedly displeased with the first goal conceded following a failed intervention by Raúl Asensio on a cross-shot from Adama Boiro. This error further solidified the idea that, despite his potential, Asensio needs more time to adapt to the demands of top-level football.
Tchouaméni: Real Madrid’s “Talisman”
Although Tchouaméni is a natural midfielder, he seems to be a key asset for Carlo Ancelotti when deployed in defense. Strong, gritty, and effective in duels, he offers a reliable alternative, especially in big matches. As highlighted by Marca, Real Madrid boasts an impressive record with Tchouaméni on the pitch.
Although occasionally criticized for moments of lapses, his presence is seen as a “necessary compromise” in a defense disrupted by injuries. With him in the lineup, Real Madrid rarely loses—a statistic that works in his favor as the team prepares to face Atalanta in the Champions League.
Raúl Asensio: A Talent on the Rise
Despite his mistakes, Asensio is a promising young player, but Courtois believes it would be better to protect him by starting him in less demanding matches. At just 21 years old, he still needs time to develop and gain consistency before earning a regular starting role in the first team.
Next Tuesday, Carlo Ancelotti will have to decide between Tchouaméni and Asensio to partner Antonio Rüdiger in central defense against Atalanta. If Courtois’s preference is taken into account, Tchouaméni could very well get the nod.
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