Aurélien Tchouaméni
Real MadridCM
Deep-Lying Playmaker
Jan 27, 2000 (26)
Right
6'2"
179 lb
Bench option
Tchouamnei (undisclosed) is on the bench for Monday's match against Iraq.
Analysis: Tchouameni had some worries around him after he didn't appear in training Sunday, but is still with his team, only servicable from the bench. He could potentially see the field but may also be held out to preserve his health, facing an Iraq team that France expects to take down no problem. Either way, his addition is good news, appearing ready for the rest of the tournament moving forward.
Missing from training
Tchouameni was not at training ahead of Monday's match against Iraq, according to the French federation, per Hugo Delom of L'Equipe. He stayed in the room to ride a bike and take care of a physiotherapist. But no worries."
Analysis: Tchouameni was not in training Sunday ahead of Monday's match, but it appears to be a minor worry, with the midfielder possibly just managing fitness. However, after starting in their opener, this is still something to monitor. Either way, the team is expected to rotate after the massive win in their opener, potentially only playing from the bench either way.
Anchors midfield against Senegal
Tchouameni had three tackles (two won) and two interceptions in Tuesday's 3-1 win over Senegal.
Analysis: Tchouameni anchored the midfield in front of France's back line during a sluggish first half from both teams, helping limit the damage after Mike Maignan's fortunate escape from an own goal. His positioning and ball-winning presence sharpened after the break as France found another gear, helping establish the control that led to Kylian Mbappe and Michael Olise linking up for the opening goal. Tchouameni finished with three tackles (two won) and two clearances, and his defensive discipline will continue to be a key piece of France's push toward the knockout stage.
Poor in loss
Tchouameni registered three shots (zero on goal) in Sunday's 2-0 defeat against Barcelona.
Analysis: Tchouameni took three shots during Sunday's loss, desperate to get on the scoresheet and give his side a hope. In the end he was unable to do so, as all three of his shots went off target and Tchouameni was left with nothing to do in the loss. Tchouameni tends to be more defensively minded, so it's clear the club was throwing everything at the wall when he pops up for three shots.
Trains normally Monday
Tchouameni (calf) returned to team training Monday and is on track to be available for Sunday's clash against Espanyol, the club posted.
Analysis: Tchouameni had been ruled out of Friday's fixture against Real Betis with a calf overload, but his swift return to the training pitch is an encouraging sign that the issue has not proven serious. The French midfielder is one of Real Madrid's most important defensive presences in the engine room and his return gives coach Alvaro Arbeloa his preferred midfield setup back ahead of a crucial final stretch of the season. Eduardo Camavinga or Thiago Pitarch had been covering in his absence against Betis, but Tchouameni should now regain his starting role for the Espanyol clash.
Suffers hamstring overload
Tchouameni has been ruled out of Friday's clash against Real Betis due to left hamstring overload, the club posted.
Analysis: Tchouameni's absence is a blow for Real Madrid heading into Friday's clash against Real Betis with a left hamstring issue keeping one of their most important defensive midfielders on the sidelines. Eduardo Camavinga or Thiago Pitarch are the most likely candidates to fill his role in the middle of the park against the Verdiblancos, with the club hoping the overload does not develop into a more serious issue heading into the final stretch of the season.
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