According to reports, Aurélien Tchouaméni has finally become the powerhouse that Real Madrid envisioned when they signed him—but perhaps this transformation has come too late. In the Copa del Rey final, where Madrid took a 2-1 lead, the French midfielder became the defensive wall the team had long needed—a physically dominant, commanding presence in midfield that was visibly impactful, not just hidden in statistics.

However, his journey wasn’t easy. Just a few months ago, on January 19, the Santiago Bernabéu responded to his first touches with whistles of disapproval. Yet, that same night, he showed his resilience on social media, writing: “What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.” And indeed, it did. From that moment, Tchouaméni gradually improved both in performance and confidence.

In the final, he not only excelled in his natural position but also played as a makeshift center-back alongside Rüdiger, reinforcing the defensive line. He recorded the highest aerial duel success rate (including the assist for the winning goal) and successful tackles among Real Madrid players.

One of the key reasons for his exceptional physical form is his long-term collaboration with French physiotherapist Fabrice Gautier, who has worked with him since he was 17, describing him as “a machine with the power of a Formula 1 car.”

Tchouaméni, who physically resembles Marcel Desailly, has finally become the missing piece Ancelotti had long sought. The Italian manager has repeatedly said, “There’s no doubt, he is our defensive pillar.” But with Ancelotti’s imminent departure, there’s a chance Tchouaméni’s peak at Madrid may continue without the man who believed in him the most.