Real Madrid is preparing for a new challenge. This Tuesday, Los Blancos will play the Club World Cup round of 16 against Juventus. It's a demanding match, where Xabi Alonso has started to leave his mark on the team.
One of the most striking changes is Aurélien Tchouaméni's role. Although he arrived as a midfielder, Xabi is using him as a center-back—not just any center-back. He wants him as a pillar in the back line, in a three-man defense that frees up the wing-backs and strengthens ball control.
Tchouaméni is responding. He is quick, confident, and has brilliant tactical awareness. It's no coincidence that the coach has chosen him over specialists like Rüdiger or the promising Huijsen.
Tchouaméni, Xabi's personal bet
Since Xabi Alonso arrived on the bench, he has shown that he wants to get the best out of every player. With Tchouaméni, he has gone further: he is shaping him as his key player.
"I can't tell you everything we talk about, but I understand better and better what Xabi wants," the Frenchman admitted. It's a relationship of mutual trust. Xabi believes Aurélien can be much more than a defensive midfielder.
In his match against Salzburg, the Frenchman excelled as a center-back, organized, covered spaces, and played out from the back with quality. Xabi noticed it. He has decided to repeat that formula against Juventus.
This new role allows Tchouaméni to have more influence in building from the back and in the defensive structure. It's a demanding challenge, but also a golden opportunity to establish himself as a leader.
Why not Rüdiger or Huijsen?
It's not that Rüdiger has done badly, nor that Huijsen lacks promise. Simply, Tchouaméni offers something different. More versatility, better touch, and a tactical intelligence that fits with the model Alonso wants to implement.
The coach needs a center-back who thinks like a midfielder. Someone who sees the game before others and makes quick decisions under pressure. That's why Tchouaméni is a step ahead.
Rüdiger brings strength and experience. Huijsen, youth and potential, but the balance between defense and playmaking now belongs to the Frenchman. That is the key difference.
A new leader for the present and the future
Aurélien Tchouaméni is experiencing his best moment since he arrived at Real Madrid. The best part: he still has room to grow. Under Xabi Alonso's guidance, he can become one of the team's locker room leaders.
"There are many pillars in this team, but we want more. We're going for everything," the Frenchman said a few days ago. That mentality is exactly what Alonso wants to foster.
On Tuesday, he has a new opportunity to shine, this time against a top-class opponent like Juventus. All eyes will be on him. Xabi Alonso has already made it clear: his trust is with Tchouaméni.