Carlo Ancelotti will need as many Real Madrid squad options as possible ahead of a busy second half to the 2024/25 season.
The staggered return from injury of David Alaba has been a key boost in recent weeks with the Austrian eased back into action.
He will provide timely cover in defence, to allow for rests and rotation in the Los Blancos ranks, as Ancelotti looks to balance his squad.
However, with the likely addition of two more games in the UEFA Champions League play offs in February, alongside La Liga and Copa del Rey action, his resources will be stretched.
As per reports from Relevo, one key call has already been ticked off, regarding Aurelien Tchouameni’s position in the coming weeks.
Ancelotti has consistently looked to ease the focus on the French international following his mixed run of form covering at centre back.
Tchouameni was even booed by sections of the home fans on his return from the Spanish Supercup, but he continues to have Ancelotti’s faith.
Raul Asencio also covered at right back in the 3-0 weekend win at Real Valladolid, with Tchouameni playing centrally, dismissing concerns over the former playing at full back.
Calm over Asencio and Tchaoumani playing in adapted positions is weight off Ancelotti’s mind as he needs his squad to be flexible.
Dani Carvajal and Eder Militao will not play again this season following ACL injuries and it will be a case of players stepping in to cover.
Asencio’s confidence at right back is an extra asset for Ancelotti amid growing concerns over Lucas Vazquez’s capability in the role in major domestic and European games.
Real Madrid do still have a chance to secure an automatic spot in the Champions League last 16, but they will need to win in Brest in midweek, and hope results elsewhere go in their favour.
ThreeEyedRaven
0
that's is not how to judge footballers , do you know how many goals we concede because him per minute he played compare to Raul
Well there are different ways to judge football bro, that's why we have stats. I'll make another point, Madrid play better from the back with Tchouameni because he's better on the ball and has better positional awareness. So every disadvantage can have an advantage depending on how you use it.
BlessRm
0
Look at it this way, Tchouameni is a 86 rated player and Asencio is not up to 70 rated yet. Tchouameni is a proven star, Asencio is having his debut season. Between these 2 players who are more likely to make mistakes in big matches? or lose confidence when the fans turn on them for poor form?
that's is not how to judge footballers , do you know how many goals we concede because him per minute he played compare to Raul
ThreeEyedRaven
0
I don't support playing a player out of position when you have good player for that position, once the player start having few bad games, most of the fans will start blaming him putting pressure on him which could course the player to lost confidence ,
Look at it this way, Tchouameni is a 86 rated player and Asencio is not up to 70 rated yet. Tchouameni is a proven star, Asencio is having his debut season. Between these 2 players who are more likely to make mistakes in big matches? or lose confidence when the fans turn on them for poor form?
BlessRm
0
I understand his form is low, But Madrid has won 9 of their last 10 games with Tchouameni as CB (losing only to Barca). All I'm saying is give him some credit considering it's not his natural position. Meanwhile Alaba is back, so things will change next month. Ancelotti is more strategic with team management than football tactics.
I don't support playing a player out of position when you have good player for that position, once the player start having few bad games, most of the fans will start blaming him putting pressure on him which could course the player to lost confidence ,
ThreeEyedRaven
0
Tchouameni is not helping the team as a defender now , he did well last year but he and lucas drop form is costing the team , wish he pick form we need him
I understand his form is low, But Madrid has won 9 of their last 10 games with Tchouameni as CB (losing only to Barca). All I'm saying is give him some credit considering it's not his natural position. Meanwhile Alaba is back, so things will change next month. Ancelotti is more strategic with team management than football tactics.
BlessRm
0
Some Ungrateful fans will never show appreciation. Thouameni has been amazing this season, it is rare to have a player with the physical and technical skills to play 3 Positions CM/CDM/CB. Madrid has a great team, most of our players can play 2 or more positions on the pitch. Which helps the coach when dealing with injuries or in game changes.
Tchouameni is not helping the team as a defender now , he did well last year but he and lucas drop form is costing the team , wish he pick form we need him
nihkmoprsu
1
Tchouameni will be the reason of Don Carlos dismissal, why always put your trust in this flop? U have a natural central back who is Raul Asensio then you continue using someone who not even know how to control their own ball? This old man must Go.
ThreeEyedRaven
1
Some Ungrateful fans will never show appreciation. Thouameni has been amazing this season, it is rare to have a player with the physical and technical skills to play 3 Positions CM/CDM/CB. Madrid has a great team, most of our players can play 2 or more positions on the pitch. Which helps the coach when dealing with injuries or in game changes.
lubbinosty
1
I HAVE NOT SEE A LAZY PLAYER IN THE WORLD LIKE Tchouameni.
yadimrstz
0
v cc. ,c by
ngc3bo
0
He must leave Madrid if they keep playing him at centre back
Deniswil
1
Tchouameni is the best as central defenders.He is good in the air,and very strong physically
Blaqpablo
1
Ancelotti is the biggest problem of Madrid not the players. Asancio is very good playing along side with Rudiger at the centre back, but yesterday he doesn't want to bench tchouameni he decided to shift the guy to the right which is wrong. yesterday clearing, the guy was good when defending but attacking he was poor. If Madrid should face one of biggest clubs with that kind of defense he used yesterday, we are go to concede more goals
If he can play the right why not..Look at kounde for example now a full right back for club and country
mucbdekmry
1
real madri d
Faocdmoty
0
If you hear tchouameni name everytime in the media is because carlo play tchouameni in his position play him there use Asencio there
Liyacdiny
1
Ancelotti is the biggest problem of Madrid not the players. Asancio is very good playing along side with Rudiger at the centre back, but yesterday he doesn't want to bench tchouameni he decided to shift the guy to the right which is wrong. yesterday clearing, the guy was good when defending but attacking he was poor. If Madrid should face one of biggest clubs with that kind of defense he used yesterday, we are go to concede more goals
sunny111
0
Alaba will be fine
Heoaeklot
1
Then Carlo Ancelotti would never learned from his mistakes......
madirec . 225. Jan 26
suhacdiosu
1
Alaba will be fine
Marcelsam
4
Ancelotti too stubborn to acknowledge Tchouameni is not versatile
Dizimnopry
0
Then Carlo Ancelotti would never learned from his mistakes......
aminu3556
1
he is not good player now
mumaelnsuy
2
And he will continue loosing agains Big Teams,
tazabeuz
2
Let nobody blame him if he doesn’t perform well as a CB