Xabi has told him he's the most important pillar of Real Madrid: 'You'll make us champions'

Real Madrid coached by Xabi Alonso is starting to show its best version. The preview of the change it would have experienced, albeit slowly, took place during the match against Mexican side Pachuca. The sending off of Raúl Asencio in the 7th minute of the match didn't prevent the white-clad players from displaying their best soccer, closely guided by their coach.

The considerable improvement in the performance and results of the first team has consolidated several players who, during the last months of Carlo Ancelotti as coach, were showing a positive trend. The clearest example is Aurélien Tchouaméni, a versatile player whom Xabi Alonso seems to trust more and more.

Indeed, the "14" has played, in the three matches played in the Club World Cup, as a midfielder and as a center-back. His inclusion in a three-defender line, seen during the clash against RB Salzburg, is the latest proof of the growing trust and the key role that awaits him.

The information published by MARCA reveals that Xabi Alonso believes Aurélien Tchouaméni has become an indispensable player for building its formations and schemes. Indeed, the French "14" has shown he is on a very important growth trajectory that makes it very difficult to remove him from the starting eleven.

Privileged position

This upward trend began during the second half of last season. His poor performance during the Spanish Super Cup final against FC Barcelona, a match in which practically no player was up to the task, led to a loud round of boos. Santiago Bernabéu gave a "wake-up call" to the French stopper, who since then has been one of the most outstanding.

His improvement under the tactical leadership of Carlo Ancelotti is even more relevant now that Xabi Alonso is in charge of all first-team operations. The Tolosa coach counts on the white "14" both for the midfield and for the defense.

Tchouaméni's new positioning at Real Madrid is closely related to what was seen in the match against the Austrian side. One of Xabi Alonso's latest observations that show his trust in Aurélien Tchouaméni, as well as the key role he already has in the first team, is a forceful phrase.

The new Real Madrid coach keeps that "you'll make us champions" with performances similar to those he has delivered during the first matches of the 2025 Club World Cup. Aurélien Tchouaméni is establishing himself as Xabi Alonso's first choice for the midfield, displacing his eternal rival and compatriot: a Camavinga who is close to returning after his injury.