Real Madrid briefing: Is Tchouameni’s future in defence? Modric shines (again), Rodrygo underlines

Real Madrid remain unbeaten, but don't be fooled by the result against Espanyol, that was no picnic.

After much criticism for their playing style this season, the Whites have now recorded another victory. This time it was a 4-1 win against Espanyol, who had started with a conservative five-man defense at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Carlo Ancelotti rested regular players such as Antonio Rüdiger, Ferland Mendy and Vinicius Junior and Madrid struggled to play fluidly.

Espanyol even took the lead in the 54th minute through an own goal by Thibaut Courtois, when he put a seemingly harmless shot into his own net.

The introduction of Vinicius Jr. a minute later helped restore order. Dani Carvajal equalised before Rodrygo, Vinicius Jr. and Kylian Mbappe gave the scoreline the appearance of a crushing defeat.

“We have only scored one goal before half-time this season,” said Ancelotti after the game. “That is remarkable. We have spoken about it to see if that changes. But the fact that we have played 38 games without defeat is also very good.”

With this victory, Madrid remains in second place, just one point behind Barcelona, ​​​​which could extend the gap to four points if it wins away at Villarreal.

The athlete analyzes the topics of conversation …

Tchouameni returns to central defence – and feels at home

Ancelotti had warned that there would be rotation between Militao and Rüdiger, and so Rüdiger was replaced by Tchouameni, with the French midfielder impressing in the back line.

The threat from the opposition was minimal, but in the games against Real Sociedad and Stuttgart, Madrid allowed seven and six shots on goal respectively.

Tchouameni, on the other hand, did well in his position and had few problems; he cannot be blamed for Espanyol's opening goal.

He won six balls and showed daring with a successful dribble and an attempted cross as he pushed forward.

Tchouameni is an outstanding central defender (Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

“He is a fantastic defender but has the structure of a centre-back and the ability to read situations well,” said Ancelotti, who did not want to publicly admit that he prefers Tchouameni as a centre-back rather than a midfielder.

But it is now clear to the coaching team that he will be the third central defender in the rotation until David Alaba returns from his lengthy injury break. He has played there more than a dozen times and everything indicates that he has a future in defense.

Modrić's role was once again crucial as Espanyol showed little inclination to go on the offensive.

The 39-year-old Croatian completed the most passes for Real (85), the most in the final third (31) and attempted nine crosses.

He was particularly productive in attack and tried to surprise the opposing defense with deep passes. Mbappe benefited from this in particular, as he almost scored the first goal after a clear pass from Modric. Modric had six chances to score, more than Mbappe.

“How many times has he changed the dynamic? He always plays at the highest level, every game and every minute he plays,” said Ancelotti.

Almost a year ago, Modric lost his starting place after difficulties against Atletico Madrid – Real's last defeat in La Liga – but he remains an important part of Ancelotti's squad.

At 39, Modric is still a force in midfield (Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)

Due to the numerous absences in midfield, Modric has started three of the last four games. He has no plans to end his career in the near future, which more than justifies Real's decision to extend his contract until this season.

Rodrygo makes his point clear. Again

When they fell behind at the Bernabeu, nerves grew and Ancelotti had to make a decision: who to replace and bring on Vinicius Jr.

Although he did not get off to a particularly good start, Rodrygo was not substituted, but Arda Güler, who harmonized well with Mbappé.

Ancelotti was right with this decision, as Rodrygo scored the 2-1 in the 75th minute after an excellent cross pass from Vinicius Jr. into the penalty area.

According to Ancelotti, Rodrygo used the space in the penalty area skilfully. “We covered the area well, even though we didn't have a striker who could consolidate the position. Rodrygo and Bellingham did well.”

Outside the penalty area, Rodrygo stood out with his passes in the final third of the pitch and was the second most pass provider after Modric (with 22).

Rodrygo's work without the ball was also praised after the game and he was deservedly named man of the match.

This knowledge will help him fight for a starting place now that Ancelotti is considering playing with just two strikers and Mbappe and Vinicius Jr. are theoretically at an advantage.

His relatively minor role has increased doubts in the camp about Rodrygo, who has expressed his displeasure at not receiving more recognition on several occasions in recent times, most recently after he was not among the 30 candidates nominated by French magazine France Football for the Ballon d'Or.

Bellingham has supported him on social media on several occasions, recently saying: “Only idiots miss the R” (in reference to the Spanish press, who refer to Bellingham, Mbappe and Vinicius Jr. as BMV when talking about Madrid's strikers, and not Rodrygo).

But his last two appearances against Stuttgart – when he set up Mbappe – and Espanyol have brought him back some of the attention. He lets his football speak for itself.

What’s next for Real Madrid?

Real play at home against Alaves on Tuesday 24 September before next week's Madrid derby away at Atletico (29 September).

(Top photo: Rodrygo after his goal. Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)