How Xabi Alonso has unlocked the best version of Real Madrid midfielder after a season of criticism | OneFootball

Real Madrid’s new era under Xabi Alonso has already begun to show results, and one of the biggest beneficiaries of this change is Aurelien Tchouameni.

The French midfielder endured a tough previous season, where he faced plenty of criticism and often struggled to show his true potential.

Now, with Alonso on the sidelines, he has been given the freedom to shine and has quickly become a key figure in the Spanish coach’s plans.

Tchouameni’s transformation is clearly visible. Under Carlo Ancelotti, he was often forced into roles that didn’t allow him to express his natural style.

From Ancelotti to Alonso

Most of the time, especially last season, he was pushed back into central defence, or asked to play as a lone pivot in matches where Madrid surrendered possession. This limited his ability to control games and hurt his confidence.

But Alonso has completely changed that approach. Instead of restricting him, he has provided the space and freedom to dictate play, move higher up the pitch, and influence both the defensive and attacking phases of the game.

The Frenchman has responded perfectly to this trust. He now plays with confidence, dominating key areas of the pitch and becoming a vital part of Madrid’s midfield structure.

Whether acting as the anchor in front of the defence or stepping forward to create dangerous chances, Tchouameni looks like the complete midfielder Real Madrid believed they signed.

Numbers show his growth

Tchouameni has improved a lot under Alonso. (Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images)

The improvement is not just something fans can see on the pitch, it is backed up by statistics.

Last season, in his first two La Liga matches, Tchouameni registered 252 touches when deployed as a single pivot. This season, across the same number of matches, he had just 154 touches.

At first glance, this may seem like a drop, but in reality, it highlights a much greater influence.

He no longer needs to constantly touch the ball to control the game. Instead, his positioning, awareness, and decision-making have allowed him to make more impact with less.

Improved defensive game

His defensive and attacking numbers prove just how complete his performances have been under Alonso.

Tchouameni currently leads all midfielders across Europe’s top five leagues with an incredible 93.5% pass accuracy into the final third.

This shows his ability to link play effectively and help Madrid progress into dangerous zones.

Defensively, he has been just as strong, boasting an 87.5% success rate in tackles and winning 83.3% of his aerial duels, which is the highest in the league.

These statistics show a player who has found the perfect balance between protecting his team at the back and contributing to attacks.

Alonso’s trust unlocks his potential

Alonso has got the best out of Tchouameni. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

One of Alonso’s greatest strengths as a coach has been his ability to understand what each player needs to perform at their best.

For Tchouameni, that has meant giving him freedom, confidence, and responsibility in midfield. The result is a player who now looks more comfortable, more influential, and more decisive.

The Frenchman is showing shades of his time at Monaco, where he was seen as one of the brightest young midfielders in Europe. Now, in Madrid colours, he is proving why the club invested heavily in him.

Alonso’s tactical approach has not only stabilised Real Madrid’s structure but has also unlocked Tchouameni’s best version.

If he continues on this path, Tchouameni will not only be central to Madrid’s success this season but could also establish himself as one of the most complete midfielders in world football.