AS: From boos to applause, Tchouameni achieved self-redemption in 2025

The French midfielder has gone from being booed at the Bernabéu to being applauded for his performances throughout 2025.

During the second half of the match against Sevilla, Aurelién Tchouameni (25 years old) regained possession of the ball, right at the perpendicular of the center of the field, advanced towards the center of the field, dribbled past a couple of opponents before releasing a 30-meter pass to the right side. Amid the mediocrity of the game that had been played, that action drew applause from a Real Madrid fanbase, eager to enjoy in specific moments.

The truth is that the French pivot is consolidating in the starting eleven of a Xabi Alonso who has known how to exploit the physical conditions of the player from Ruen. Not to go any further, this season he has only missed two games due to a thigh injury ("in the semitendinosus muscle of the left leg," read the medical report issued by the white club at the beginning of November), which prevented him from participating in two matches, against Rayo and Elche, and where the seams of Xabi Alonso's team were seen without the presence of the midfielder. His return brought a slight improvement in the defensive stability of the Madrid team. Now, he is even seen inserted between the two center-backs to give height to the full-backs, facilitate the ball's exit, and get the team out of the back zone. 

His record of appearances against Sevilla places him in second position among Real Madrid players with the most interventions, with a total of 78, only behind Huijsen (104). He completed 65 passes, made five recoveries, and was the Real Madrid player with the most successful tackles (two). He also contributed with one chance created. His record with him on the field amounts to 116 wins in 169 matches, a 68.64%.

But it is true that the French international has reversed his situation throughout this 2025. Questioned after his poor performance in the final of the Spanish SuperCopa, where he played as a center-back and was constantly outplayed by Barcelona players, there were rumors of his departure at the end of last season. The arrival of Xabi Alonso, his tenacity, and his ability to overcome constant criticism have been consolidating him in the center of the white team's midfield.

According to DataMB statistics, the Frenchman dominates in three key aspects for a midfielder: he wins 96% of duels, has a 95% success rate in forward passes (i.e., those that reach a teammate further ahead), with a 98% effectiveness in that regard. His major shortcoming, however, is progressive runs, where he barely achieves 20% effectiveness. His best example was his spectacular performance in the Clásico last October, where he replicated the past performances of his predecessor Casemiro: he adjusted the front line, anticipated rival actions reducing possible damage, blocked interior passes, and helped Militao and Rüdiger inside the area. 

When asked about this moment, Tchouameni explained that the improvement in his performance had been during a match last season: “They give me three or four balls and they boo me on all of them. You have two options: either you give up or you play your game. That day I had a great game and at the end the boos disappeared. It was an important moment that helped me grow.” Another reason was the technical and tactical conversation he had with Xabi Alonso at the start of the season, which has made him improve significantly. Tchouameni has improved significantly in a year that has served him to redeem himself…