Former Real Madrid midfielder Claude Makelele has shared his thoughts on several of the club’s biggest talking points in an interview with DAZN, praising Aurélien Tchouaméni’s performances, defending Kylian Mbappé from criticism, and identifying the type of midfielder he believes Los Blancos are still missing.
Asked about Real Madrid’s recent campaign, Makelele singled out Tchouaméni as the team’s most reliable performer and defending the club’s decision to extend his contract.
“Tchouameni was the
only consistent player from beginning to end.”
The French legend also expressed confidence in José Mourinho’s return to the Santiago Bernabéu, while stressing that even one of football’s elite coaches will need the right squad to challenge for domestic honors.
“Mourinho isn’t stupid, he’s a good coach, one of the best coaches. He knows he’s going to need a strong team to win La Liga.”
Makelele also came to the defense of Mbappé, arguing that the French forward has been unfairly criticized and reminding observers of a striker’s natural mentality.
“I don’t agree (with the Mbappe criticism). A lot of people are criticizing Mbappé. He’s for the team, but he’s a striker. A striker always wants to score.”
The former midfielder believes Real Madrid’s biggest tactical need lies in the center of the pitch, pointing to the absence of a player capable of carrying the ball through midfield and accelerating attacks.
“At Real Madrid, there isn’t that type of midfielder who carries the ball and breaks lines. 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.”
He also suggested that Mbappé has occasionally been forced to drop too deep in search of possession, reducing his effectiveness in the penalty area.
“Mbappe often comes to collect the ball in midfield, and who’s going to be up front? When he’s up front, he’s scoring.”
