As consistent as Real Madrid’s performances have been this season, so inconsistent is the personnel situation in the Whites’ central defense. For captain Nacho, the second red card this season could have consequences
The second half of the difficult away game at promoted Alaves was less than ten minutes old when captain Nacho, of all people, was guilty of indiscipline for the second time this season. In the 3-0 away win against surprise team Girona at the end of September, the 24-time Spanish international (one goal) had already been sent off with a straight red – including a public apology and reprimand from coach Carlo Ancelotti. This time, however, Nacho’s team did not lead by three goals, but struggled extremely.
As an immediate reaction to Nacho’s sending off, Ancelotti took his veteran Luka Modric off the pitch and replaced him with all-rounder Aurelien Tchouameni. And he performed once again
“It’s not what he likes most, but it’s an emergency situation,” explained Ancelotti almost apologetically after the final whistle. At a time when Real are losing one central defender after another – most recently David Alaba – and Madrid are already having to consider alternatives in the winter, players with a high degree of reliability are worth their weight in gold.
“Get used to it,” wrote Antonio Rüdiger on Instagram with a picture of Tchouameni, adding with three smiles: “My partner in central defense.” The Frenchman, who will probably have to resign himself to playing more in central defense than in midfield this season, takes it with humor. Turning to Rüdiger, he wrote: “Looks like we’ll be spending even more time together in the future. “
Will Tchouameni remain Rüdiger’s partner in the medium term?
Ancelotti, who was instrumental in signing Tchouameni, could not be happier with his temporary central defender. The Italian praised his “strong opening”, his “drive forward” and his “energetic” defensive behavior. In Spain, it is already expected that even if Nacho returns after his suspension, Tchouameni may stay alongside Rüdiger
The French international is already being called “Tchouameninga” by his teammates. A reference to teammate Eduardo Camavinga, who has also had to leave his position as a trained midfielder for even more defensive jobs in the recent past.
Barring injury, Rüdiger and Tchouameni will defend side by side in the 2024 opener against Mallorca (3 January, 7.15pm). Not good news for the upcoming opponents: Tchouameni has played 125 minutes in central defense so far – Real have scored five goals of their own but conceded none.
