Makelele Backs Tchouaméni as Real’s Key Midfielder

Claude Makelele, the former Real Madrid midfielder, used a recent DAZN interview to elevate Aurélien Tchouaméni’s standing within the club. He called the French player “the only consistent performer from start to finish” last season, a sharp contrast to the doubts that have followed Tchouaméni since his arrival from Monaco. The comments also serve as a public rallying point ahead of Madrid’s summer transfer decisions.

Tchouaméni singled out for consistency

Makelele’s praise arrives at a time when Tchouaméni has faced intense scrutiny, most notably the well‑publicized friction with Fede Valverde earlier this year. The endorsement carries extra weight because the former holder of the defensive‑midfield role knows the club’s internal dynamics better than most. Earlier reports even linked Tchouaméni and Camavinga to potential moves while Madrid chased Michael Olise, but Makelele’s public support could cement his place in the midfield core.

Mourinho back – but needs the right tools

Makelele voiced confidence in José Mourinho’s return to the Bernabéu, stressing that even an elite coach needs the right personnel to succeed. “Mourinho knows he’ll need a strong team to win La Liga,” he remarked, underscoring that talent alone won’t guarantee silverware. The central issue, according to Makelele, is the missing midfield type that can breach defensive lines and feed attackers directly.

He described Madrid’s current midfield as lacking a player who can carry the ball under pressure and connect swiftly with the front line. During Mourinho’s first Madrid stint, Ángel Di María and Mesut Özil filled that vertical link between the engine room and the attack. Recreating that dynamic is now seen as essential for any realistic La Liga challenge under the Portuguese manager. Without such a runner, even a star striker like Vinicius Junior will find fewer avenues to exploit.

The Mbappé question

Makelele also defended Kylian Mbappé from the recent waves of criticism, arguing that much of the discontent is structural rather than personal. “A striker always wants to score,” he noted, pointing out that Mbappé’s midfield involvements often pull him away from the hottest attacking zones. He suggested that the same type of ball‑carrier he highlighted earlier could free Mbappé to stay higher and become even more threatening.

Looking ahead, Makelele’s interview frames the midfield recruitment as the linchpin for Madrid’s season plans. Securing a player who can break lines would not only protect Tchouaméni’s status but also amplify Mbappé’s impact and give Mourinho the tactical foundation he demands. The club’s transfer window will likely hinge on whether they can add that elusive creative‑carrier to complete the puzzle.