The Best Between Raúl Asensio and Aurélien Tchouaméni in Defence? The Stats Have the Final Say!

The debate over Real Madrid’s defensive setup has heated up, with the names Raúl Asensio and Aurélien Tchouaméni emerging as focal points in the conversation. Ancelotti’s experimentation with these two players has brought the question of who truly deserves a spot in the defense to the forefront. As injuries to key players and the departure of stalwarts have taken a toll on Madrid’s lineup, the focus has shifted to how the team can solidify their defense, especially with a midfield player like Tchouaméni filling in at central defense.

A Season of Uncertainty for Real Madrid

The 2024-2025 season has been anything but straightforward for Real Madrid. Following the exits of Toni Kroos and Nacho Fernandez, alongside the long-term injuries to Dani Carvajal and Éder Militão, Ancelotti’s team has struggled to maintain consistency. While the team has handled smaller sides with ease, facing tougher opposition, including Liverpool, AC Milan, Athletic Bilbao, and Barcelona, has been a challenge. The defense, in particular, has been under constant pressure, with performances often falling short of expectations.

Tchouaméni’s Struggles in Defence

One of the most discussed developments this season has been Ancelotti’s decision to deploy Aurélien Tchouaméni in central defense. Originally a midfielder, Tchouaméni has had mixed results in the unfamiliar role. While he has proven himself capable in the midfield, his transition to defense has raised concerns. His performance against Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup, where Madrid suffered a crushing 5–2 defeat, was particularly troubling. Fans and pundits alike have been vocal about the need to remove him from defense, questioning Ancelotti’s tactics in continuing to trust the Frenchman in a role that is not his natural position.

Raúl Asensio’s Impact

Raúl Asensio, who gained significant attention after his promotion to the first team last November, is being hailed as a potential solution to Real Madrid’s defensive woes. Unlike Tchouaméni, Asensio is a natural defender, and his performances since joining the first team have sparked hope among the fanbase. With Asensio in central defense, Madrid’s defense has shown noticeable improvement, and his ability to neutralize attacking threats, including a stellar performance against Barcelona’s Lewandowski, has left a lasting impression.

Statistical Comparison

Looking at the numbers, the difference between Asensio and Tchouaméni in defense is stark. According to statistics released by Be Soccer-Pro, Asensio has played 615 minutes in central defense, conceding only five goals during that time. This means Real Madrid concedes one goal every 123 minutes with Asensio on the pitch. In contrast, Tchouaméni has played 929 minutes as a central defender and has conceded 15 goals, averaging one goal every 62 minutes. The figures paint a clear picture of the disparity in defensive efficiency between the two.

The Impact of Asensio’s Introduction

The contrast in defensive stability was especially evident in the Super Cup Clasico. After Asensio was introduced into the game, the defensive solidity improved, and the team seemed more resilient. Despite Barcelona being reduced to 10 men, the young Spanish defender handled the challenge effectively, showing his readiness for big matches. This raised questions as to why Asensio isn’t given more opportunities in the starting lineup.

Ancelotti’s Tactical Dilemma

Ancelotti’s decision to continue using Tchouaméni as a central defender has sparked frustration among some of the Madrid board members and senior players. With players like Asensio performing well in defense, it is perplexing to many why Ancelotti doesn’t rotate his squad to give younger players more chances to shine. The situation has drawn comparisons to Barcelona, where young players have been integrated into the starting lineup with great success.

What Should Be Done?

It seems increasingly likely that Ancelotti will have to reconsider his defensive strategy. Given the statistical evidence and the positive impact of Asensio’s performances, it would make sense for him to be given a regular spot in the central defense. Tchouaméni, on the other hand, should be relieved of the defensive duties and allowed to focus on his natural position in midfield, where he has been more effective. Continuing to place him in central defense could risk further undermining Real Madrid’s defensive structure.

The Way Forward for Real Madrid

With the stakes high for the remainder of the season, it is crucial that Ancelotti makes the right decisions to solidify his defense. The return of key players like Militão and Carvajal will undoubtedly help, but in the meantime, ensuring the best defensive setup is crucial. If Asensio continues to perform at the level he has shown, he may well secure a more prominent role in the team, while Tchouaméni could benefit from a period of recovery and reorientation in his natural midfield role.

Conclusion

The comparison between Raúl Asensio and Aurélien Tchouaméni in defense is clear. Asensio’s defensive stats, coupled with his solid performances, suggest he should be the preferred option in central defense, while Tchouaméni’s struggles highlight the risks of playing a midfielder out of position. With key changes expected in the coming months, the next few weeks could be pivotal for both players and for the future of Real Madrid’s defense.

A Call for Change?

For Ancelotti and Real Madrid, the time for tactical adjustments is now. As the team looks to recover from a season of uncertainty, how they handle these defensive issues will be key to their success in the upcoming months. Only time will tell if Ancelotti will make the necessary changes, but one thing is for sure—the numbers don’t lie.