Tchouameni’s 86-minute return gives Mourinho fresh balance in Real Madrid midfield

Aurelien Tchouameni’s return to Real Madrid has given Jose Mourinho renewed belief that the France midfielder can restore balance and control to his team.

Tchouameni was not yet fully match-fit after his absence but started Tuesday’s match against Elche alongside Federico Valverde and played 86 minutes. His performance provided an encouraging indication that he can soon return to a central role in Mourinho’s plans, according to Spanish newspaper AS.

Before the game, Mourinho had confirmed Tchouameni would play but declined to say for how long.

“He will get more minutes against Elche, without a doubt. He is improving all the time, becoming stronger and more confident. He will definitely play, but I will not specify how long,” Mourinho said at his pre-match news conference.

The initial plan at Valdebebas had been to give the midfielder slightly more than 30 minutes, while avoiding any risk of a further setback. Instead, Tchouameni stayed on for almost the entire game, suggesting he has recovered much of his ability to withstand competitive demands.

His recent issue was not persistent thigh pain. The main challenge had been to reintroduce him gradually to training and matches and allow him to regain his competitive rhythm.

Tchouameni completed 40 passes against Elche, the third-highest total among Real Madrid players behind Dean Huijsen and Antonio Rudiger. His passing accuracy was 95.2%, with only Arda Guler, on 96.2%, recording a better figure among the team’s midfielders and forwards.

He also made four interventions to help prevent Real Madrid’s difficulties from becoming more serious. The team produced an impressive first half but faded after the interval, with lapses in concentration, intensity and tactical discipline returning during periods of the match.

Tchouameni’s presence helped preserve some structure as Real Madrid’s performance deteriorated. He was withdrawn only when Mourinho chose to add more attacking players in an attempt to secure victory.

Although Mourinho regularly insists that no player is indispensable, Tchouameni’s importance appears to go beyond that of an ordinary midfield option. The coaching staff view him as someone who can connect the lines, protect the defence and give his team-mates greater freedom to move forward.

His ability to close spaces, protect Real Madrid after possession is lost and limit counter-attacks is particularly valuable when opponents receive the ball between the team’s lines.

Tchouameni’s return therefore comes at an important moment. He is now a strong candidate to feature in the next derby and has a genuine chance of starting at Wanda Metropolitano. The final decision will depend on how his body responds after four days’ rest following his 86-minute appearance against Elche.

The early signs are positive and the player feels well. Further minutes should follow before the international break with France, after which Tchouameni is expected to begin a new phase at Real Madrid as more than simply a defensive midfielder.

For Mourinho, he could become the tactical link that keeps the side together and helps restore the order, stability and control the manager wants.