Real Madrid urged to make Aurelien Tchouameni the answer to midfield concerns

Real Madrid’s 2-1 win over Espanyol, secured by a late goal from Carlos Espai, did little to hide the midfield problems that have troubled the club in recent seasons. Rafael Alkorta, the former Real Madrid defender, has warned Jose Mourinho that the team must raise its standards, while suggesting that Aurelien Tchouameni could provide the foundation for a solution when he returns from injury.

The result at the Santiago Bernabeu ultimately favoured Real Madrid, but the performance exposed what remains an unresolved weakness in the team. Their midfield again struggled to function as a cohesive unit, reinforcing the view that the issue could have a decisive influence on the success or failure of Mourinho’s second spell in charge.

Victory alone is not considered sufficient at Real Madrid, where supporters expect a much greater level of balance and understanding across the side. Alkorta examined those concerns during an analysis on the popular El Larguero programme on Cadena SER, focusing on what he believes is the missing element in midfield.

He identified Tchouameni as a possible answer, despite the France international currently being in the club’s medical department.

“I think that over the seasons, he has come to understand the role of a defensive midfielder better. I think he is constantly improving, and the problem lies with the rest of the team,” Alkorta said.

His assessment amounted to a clear message for Mourinho: once Tchouameni is fit again, he should be viewed as a central figure in the team’s structure.

Alkorta was also asked about Bernardo Silva, the new arrival, but stopped short of presenting the Portugal international as the complete answer to Real Madrid’s midfield difficulties.

“I think he is a great player. I have always said that I prefer dynamic midfielders, such as Modric, and now we have a player like Guler, who looks a little stronger and can play this role. It is a role that Xabi Alonso and Ancelotti have tried, and I think everyone has tried it,” he said.

The former defender then explained how he believes Bernardo could be used within the side.

“Bernardo will perform well because he is very good technically, and the only thing he has to change is his mentality from an attacking player to a defensive player. I would not say defensive, but I think that with Tchouameni, Bernardo Silva and Arda Guler, who give the team the rhythm it needs in matches, I do not see a major problem.”

Despite that optimism, Alkorta ended his comments with a warning about the minimum standards required from Real Madrid’s players and coaching staff. He compared the opening stages of the Espanyol match with what he had seen from Barcelona.

“The first 15 minutes against Espanyol were very good,” he said.

“I then watched the first 15 minutes of Barcelona’s match and how Raphinha and the rest of the team pressed. Real Madrid must not forget that. It is true that Real Madrid won the Champions League without needing the high press that we always demand from Barcelona, but there are minimum standards. There are minimum standards that must be set in this team.”

Alkorta’s comments suggest that Bernardo Silva should not be expected to solve the midfield problem on his own. Instead, he believes Tchouameni’s return, alongside Bernardo and Guler, could give Real Madrid the control and tempo they need, provided the side also matches that technical quality with a consistent level of intensity.

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