Ancelotti Backs Tchouameni To Thrive In Emergency Centre Back Role
Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has backed Aurelien Tchouameni to thrive in his new role as an emergency center back.
Ancelotti turned to his bench to bring on Tchouameni when Nacho Fernandez was sent off in Real Madrid's 1-0 victory at Deportivo Alaves in La Liga on Thursday.
With Nacho set to serve a three-game ban, Real Madrid will only have Antonio Rudiger available as a natural center back option.
Eder Militao and David Alaba are currently sidelined with long-term injuries and Los Blancos have been linked with a move for Raphael Varane in recent days.
Tchouameni plays primarily as a midfielder but Ancelotti was impressed with how the Frenchman played against Alaves.
Speaking to reporters, Ancelotti said: "Tchouameni will get angry for this, but he’s amazing as a central defender.
"He is lucky he can play as a midfielder and as a defender. He has all the qualities to be one of the best centre-backs in the world.
"He plays very well, he takes the ball out from behind like very few others and tactically as well he is very good."
Real Madrid go into the winter break top of the La Liga table ahead of Girona on goal difference.
