Real Madrid came into Saturday's match against Osasuna in LaLiga with plenty of question marks about who would start, given the many injuries they've suffered in defense.
Carlo Ancelotti thus raised eyebrows - including his own - when the Madrid lineup was announced with star midfielders Eduardo Camavinga and Aurelien Tchouameni at left back and center back, respectively.
Camavinga at left back is nothing new, and the Frenchman was recently brilliant in that position against Girona. However, we had never seen Tchouameni in central defense, with Carletto feeling forced in that direction after injuries to Eder Militao (out for the season) and David Alaba.
The result? Real Madrid dominated Osasuna 4-0 in what was arguably their best performance of the season thus far.
And Tchouameni? Well, let's just say, Madridistas were ecstatic with his individual display.
Tchouameni is playing well at CB in front of Carlo Ancelotti pic.twitter.com/DAzsTrKeC8
- (@190TWO) October 7, 2023
Those long diagonals from defense that we've been missing since Militao's absence, Tchouameni gives it to us today.
- Kvng Olagreat (@TheRealOlagreat) October 7, 2023
Every top club needs to have a center back who can playmake from deep, and, disappointingly, Real Madrid haven't quite gotten that from David Alaba this season, especially compared to what he did at Bayern under Hansi Flick.
Tchouameni is a great passing midfielder, so having him playing it out of the back in central defense? That opened up so much for the players in front of him. The four goals can't be a coincidence.
Fairs, Tchouameni got asked to play at CB for the first time and he decided to turn into Sergio Ramos.
- WolfRMFC (@WolfRMFC) October 7, 2023
Invoking the name of Eder Militao is one thing. He is already arguably the best center back in the world. But invoking the name of the arguable GOAT center back, Sergio Ramos?
That tells you the respect Aurelien Tchouameni is already getting from Madridistas without even being done with a second full season.
Tchouameni is making passes out of the back that i want to see our CBs do more often. Dagger balls straight through the middle.
- Druchk (@andruchk) October 7, 2023
Those dagger passes change games and keep defenses honest. In an instant, a "quarterback" at center back can put you up 1-0. Remember what Bayern had with peak Mats Hummels and Jerome Boateng? Pep Guardiola was cooking.
We employ Vinicius jr, Bellingham, Tchouameni, Camavinga, and Valverde that's absolutely insane.
- M. (@MikhaeIII) October 7, 2023
It may seem unfair, but that's what happens when you invest in elite talent and develop those players. Watch them shine. Don't waste your time with players who aren't going to be elite if you are Real Madrid.
Pay up for Jude Bellingham and Aurelien Tchouameni, then watch them ball. If you can get bargains like Eduardo Camavinga and Fede Valverde, then that's even better.
Valverde RW Camavinga LB Bellingham ST
And now Tchouameni CB
Bro thought he could get away pic.twitter.com/I3Txr89HJy
- Noodle Vini (@vini_ball) October 7, 2023
Real Madrid play to win no matter what, and the players accept the challenge of taking on unfamiliar positions.
What are the chances Tchouameni turns into Baresi tonight and Ancelotti never plays him at DM again
- Managing Madrid (@managingmadrid) October 7, 2023
A legend is born?
Real Madrid have won every single match Tchouameni has started this season. pic.twitter.com/OvcitHfddk
- Concra Gh (@GhConcra) October 7, 2023
That can't be a coincidence either, right? We have to talk about Tchouameni being as important to Real Madrid as Vinicius Jr., Jude Bellingham, or anyone else.
Ancelotti plays Tchouameni as CB and we managed to keep clean sheet pic.twitter.com/QNiFHFuYfx
- FZ (@Fze32) October 7, 2023
Sometimes, defending is about the Pep Guaridola method of controlling possession, controlling space, controlling the opponent, and realizing that if you have the ball in productive possession, they cannot hurt you.
Real Madrid don't often do that and prefer the opposite of controlling space out of possession before countering, but sometimes, the flexible approach pays dividends. It did against Osasuna.
When Don Carlo raises his eyebrows, the rest is history.
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