Claude Makelele has thrown his support behind Aurélien Tchouaméni while outlining the specific midfield profile Real Madrid must recruit to maximise the potential of Kylian Mbappé under José Mourinho. Speaking to DAZN, the former Madrid holding midfielder delivered a detailed assessment of the squad’s strengths and structural deficiencies ahead of the new campaign.
Makelele was unequivocal in his praise for Tchouaméni, naming the French international as Los Blancos’ standout performer throughout the previous campaign. “Tchouameni was the only consistent player from beginning to end,” he told DAZN. The endorsement carries particular significance given the scrutiny Tchouaméni has faced since his arrival from Monaco, including reported friction with teammate Fede Valverde earlier this year. It also complicates any lingering speculation about the player’s future; earlier this summer, Tchouaméni and Eduardo Camavinga were reportedly mentioned in connection with potential squad restructuring as the club pursued targets including Michael Olise.
Structural Support for Mbappé
Beyond individual endorsements, Makelele defended Mbappé against recent criticism, arguing that the striker’s struggles stem from tactical imbalance rather than attitude. “I don’t agree with the Mbappé criticism,” Makelele stated. “A lot of people are criticizing Mbappé. He’s for the team, but he’s a striker. A striker always wants to score.”
He elaborated that Mbappé is too often forced to abandon advanced positions to collect possession deep in midfield. “Mbappé often comes to collect the ball in midfield, and who’s going to be up front? When he’s up front, he’s scoring,” Makelele explained. The observation underscores his broader argument that Madrid lacks the transitional link between defence and attack necessary to keep their forwards in dangerous areas.
The Missing Link
Makelele identified this absence as the squad’s most pressing concern. “At Real Madrid, there isn’t that type of midfielder who carries the ball and breaks lines,” he said. “They need a player like that, who can deliver quick passes to the attackers, to himself, to Vinicius Junior, and to the players up front.”
The profile mirrors the vertical link players Mourinho prioritised during his first spell at the Bernabéu, when Ángel Di María and Mesut Özil provided the creative thrust between midfield and attack. Makelele expressed confidence in Mourinho’s return but cautioned that elite coaching requires appropriate tools. “Mourinho isn’t stupid, he’s a good coach, one of the best coaches,” he said. “He knows he’s going to need a strong team to win La Liga.”
With pre-season preparations underway, Makelele’s analysis frames the recruitment of a ball-carrying, line-breaking midfielder as essential to unlocking both Mbappé’s goalscoring instincts and Mourinho’s tactical system.