Ancelotti: Tchouameni to Solve Real Madrid Injury Crisis

Carlo Ancelotti envisions Aurelien Tchouameni excelling as a center-back after the midfielder took on defensive duties in Real Madrid’s 1-0 victory against Alaves on Thursday night.

The France international stepped in alongside Antonio Rudiger in central defense after club captain Nacho Fernandez received a red card. Tchouameni played a key role in holding off Alaves, contributing to the team’s defensive efforts before Lucas Vazquez secured a 91st-minute winner for the 14-time Champions League winners.

Eder Militao’s absence since August and David Alaba’s recent anterior cruciate ligament injury have left Ancelotti with limited options in central defense. Several other key players, including Vinicius Junior, Thibaut Courtois, Eduardo Camavinga, Dani Carvajal, Arda Guler, and Ferland Mendy, are also currently sidelined.

Following the triumph, Ancelotti shared with reporters: “Tchouameni will get angry for this, but he’s amazing as a central defender. He is lucky he can play as midfielder and as defender. He has all the qualities to be a top centre-back.”

Ancelotti had previously disclosed that the former Monaco star could step in as a defensive option, stating before the match: “Tchouameni is the first option at centre-back. It’s not what we think of him, but in this moment of emergency, he can play there.”

Madrid now lead La Liga, ahead of Girona on goal difference and seven points clear of current champions Barcelona. Their next match is scheduled for Wednesday, January 3, when they will host 14th-placed Mallorca at the Bernabeu.