Since that moment when the Bernabéu crowd greeted Aurélien Tchouameni with whistles during the match against Celta on January 16, following the painful 2-5 defeat in the Super Cup, Tchouameni has undergone a remarkable transformation. Initially placed as a central defender, he soon returned to his natural position in midfield, where he has since solidified his place. That day marked his turning point—a moment of resilience where, in response to the boos, he quietly went about proving his worth on the pitch. Since then, his performances have steadily grown, and now there is no debate about his role. After enduring his lowest moment, Tchouameni is now thriving. His standout display against Rayo Vallecano, where he dominated the field, proved it once again.

Confidence in football, while not everything, is crucial—and Tchouameni’s confidence is now at an all-time high. His abilities were evident in the match against Rayo: eight ball recoveries (second only to Lunin at Madrid), four interceptions, two clearances, and six duels won. He was sharp in defense and smart in anticipation. "Without the ball, he's spectacular," noted Ancelotti. Although there were a few minor lapses, he compensated with his playmaking ability. Tchouameni initiated attacks with great vision, such as the precise pass to Rodrygo that led to Vinicius’ shot hitting the post and his key contribution to Mbappé’s opening goal. He won the ball in his half, broke the pressure line with a vertical pass, and Kylian did the rest in combination with Vini. Tchouameni was the cornerstone of that move.

His recent performances follow this consistent pattern. Against Atlético Madrid, he recovered seven balls and made four interceptions. Even in a tough match against Betis, he managed five recoveries and three clearances. His shift in central defense against Real Sociedad was solid, with five recoveries and nine clearances. And again, in the match against Girona, he put in a dominant performance as an anchor. His physical dominance and soaring confidence make it clear: Tchouameni has emerged as a force to be reckoned with.

Behind this resurgence is Carlo Ancelotti, who has consistently shown faith in his midfielder. However, the Italian coach gives full credit to Tchouameni, saying, “I haven’t spoken to him. Aurélien has a very strong character and personality. He’s a serious, professional worker who handles criticism exceptionally well... he’s turned it into praise.”

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