La Liga
The Aurelien Tchouameni's injury has come as a cold shower for Real Madrid. The French midfielder, a key player in the center of the field, got injured in the last match against Liverpool and will be sidelined for several weeks. A significant absence that forces Xabi Alonso to completely rearrange his midfield.
The toughest blow for the white midfield
Tchouameni suffered a muscle injury in his left leg that will keep him away from the pitch for at least three weeks. His absence comes at a crucial moment in the season, with Real Madrid deeply involved in the LaLiga title race and facing tough challenges in the Champions League.
The French midfielder was a fundamental piece in Xabi Alonso's tactics. His ability to recover balls, his physical prowess, and his tactical balance had made him the team's anchor, responsible for providing stability to a squad that relies on solidity. Without him, the team loses organization and a consistent link between defense and attack.
Xabi Alonso's three solutions
With Tchouameni out, the Basque coach has three possible paths to maintain balance in the midfield. None are ideal, but they all have arguments to earn the coach's trust.
Eduardo Camavinga, the natural choice:
Camavinga emerges as the most logical candidate. He has already filled in as a holding midfielder on multiple occasions and understands the demands of the position. However, his season has been inconsistent, and his recent performances raise doubts. The Frenchman brings energy and aggressiveness, but his tendency to break lines with the ball may expose the team in critical moments.
Dani Ceballos, the more technical profile:
The second alternative is Dani Ceballos, a player with excellent game reading and the ability to play out from the back. The Andalusian is in good physical shape, and his style is reminiscent of Toni Kroos in his prime: composure, judgment, and the ability to link defense and attack. His positioning could provide the balance lost with Tchouameni's injury, although his weaker defensive abilities pose a risk against high-level opponents.
Fede Valverde, the versatile option:
The third option involves moving Fede Valverde into a deeper role. The Uruguayan has remarkable physical abilities and a solid game understanding but doesn't feel entirely comfortable as a defensive pivot. Nonetheless, his versatility makes him a crucial asset for Alonso, capable of adapting to different roles as per the match requirements.

A new challenge for Real Madrid
Tchouameni's injury forces Real Madrid to reinvent themselves in a crucial phase of the season where every point matters. The choice of replacement will not only determine the team's balance but also the development of several players who might have more prominence in the upcoming matches.
Camavinga has the chance to regain form, Ceballos to establish himself as a key player, and Valverde to once again prove he is one of the most complete footballers in the squad.
In any case, the absence of Aurelien Tchouameni is a tough blow for Xabi Alonso, who must intelligently adjust his pieces to keep Real Madrid competitive and solid while waiting for the French midfielder's return.
This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, ¿Quién reemplazará a Tchouameni en el centro del campo del Real Madrid tras su lesión?
