Thread by @martics97

⚪️ Player Tactical Analysis :

🇫🇷 Aurélien Tchouaméni vs Real Betis 🟢

▫️1st phase of build-up
▫️2nd phase of build-up
▫️Positioning in every zone of the pitch
▫️Offensive abilities

THREAD🧵

I. FIRST PHASE OF BUILD-UP

Tchouaméni is Madrid’s key player in low-build-up phase. Pellegrini understood it, and thanks to his 4-4-2 out of possession, brought Fekir-Iglesias closer to prevent any drop-off or pass option for Militao and Alaba.

Tchouaméni spot that and tried to receive between both players. He’s got the ability to decide quick who is the best positioned teammate to receive the ball. That’s part of his on-ball huge confidence, that we’ll dissect later on.

Even if Madrid keeps a sound structure in midfield, it could be sometimes asymmetrical. Tchouaméni didn’t hesitate to move in a position so Camavinga/modric can pass the ball easily and progress vertically.

In first phase of build-up, Madrid had this on-ball confidence from Casemiro. Tchouaméni is probably the smoothest transition concerning that topic. His vertical passes initiated interesting passing schemes to counter Betis 4-2 structure.

Holding midfielder doesn’t mean leave both 8s dealing with central passes in final third. We regularly saw Tchouaméni step up and outnumber Betis midfield to catalyze passing circuits. A reliable point guard.

As I said, Tchouaméni knows before receiving the ball, if Modric or Camavinga are being man-marked. Then, he adapts his decision making. In that situation both 8s are man-marked, risk of loosing the ball in dangerous area => ball carrying, forcing the opponent to make a foul.

II. SECOND PHASE OF BUILD-UP

If Tchouaméni is in a withdrawn position, and no Betis jumping to him, his ability to play deadly long-balls frequently jeopardized Betis defense, given how precise his long balls are. That’s why the opponent has to mission one player to press him.

It’s a bilateral relation between Tchouaméni and Modric-Camavinga : if they can rely on french’s strong ball retention, Tchouameni can rely on their ability to disorganize the opposition with runs/moves to help him finding wingers

Given Madrid has an asymmetrical midfield, roles can also be switched. Tchouaméni dropping-off to receive while Camavinga or Modric prepare to receive the other pass by moving upwards.

III. TCHOUAMENI’S POSITIONING

That’s the most interesting and relevant subject to analyze : WHY?
Simply because I don’t remember a player who, just by his position, brings such confidence to #8s and the other teammates : a real metronome in AND out of possession.

Analyzing distance with Juanmi, Fekir or Canales (main opponents to press on him). That’s why he tries to position deep to do « La Pausa » as much as possible to get 0,5 seconds more to decide. Enough for Aurélien.

Tchouaméni’s mission was to cut every Canales vertical progression. His his press, repeated, could be exploited by Betis (put an extraman behind Tchouaméni). That’s why Mendy’s move to cover Aurélien’s pressures have been precious to keep balance in midfield.

Tchouaméni clearly dictates Madrid’s midfield positioning, guiding both 8s (oral communication). Automatisms seem fluid, midfield block sliding properly. Betis had difficulties to overthrow that animation.

Tchouaméni’s positioning in both penalty boxes has been relevant : in his own penalty box, he scans first Betis players. Then, he just position, hands on the back, between ball carrier and passing angle, to prevent any on-ground cross.

Having a holding midfield capable of dealing with 1V2 situations gives more confidence for both 8s to press higher on the pitch without wondering if one of the two has to stay alongside Tchouaméni. A real plus in Madrid’s pressing phase.

Anticpating passing schemes in one of the most « standard-required » for a holding midfielder. However, anticipating deadly vertical passes is another story. French midfielder has this 6th sense to feel dangerous passes and move to block it.

Tchouaméni tries to position between the two closest danger near penalty box. No individual marking in that specific zone for Tchouameni, his sense of positioning makes the difference.

But when it concerns Betis’ own half, Tchouameni implements strong individual marking on Canales, main creator in possession for Betis.

Consequences: Canales, to receive the ball, moved on lanes, far away from Tchouameni.

IV. TCHOUAMENI IN OFFENSIVE PHASE

Ancelotti can rely on a player who can place some dangerous header, thanks to his positioning, diving into the second post in set pieces situations.

Tchouameni has excellent positioning in both penalty boxes. As I said, he always tries to be in a position to shoot, keeping distances with opponents

Tchouameni’s game understanding and intelligence makes his choices easier concerning « When adding numerical superiority in offensive ». He brings an obvious added value in that kind of situation.

Real Madrid seems to have found the perfect profile to integrate in Ancelotti’s 4-3-3, automatisms with his teammates are already fluid, and his 6th sense of positioning (advanced skills compare to the average) makes transition with Casemiro a bit smoother.