Aurélien Tchouaméni

Written by Luke Entwistle for Get French Football News:

A mature, composed and physical player, Aurelien Tchouameni embodies the primary qualities of an elite holding midfielder. It was clear when he was playing for Monaco that he was destined for big things but perhaps the speed at which those big things have arrived at his feet is the biggest surprise. An element of luck has played a part in his meteoric rise. Tchouaméni was thrust into a key position at the 2022 World Cup after both N'Golo Kanté and Paul Pogba had to withdraw from the squad, whilst at Real Madrid, just after his €100m move, Casemiro departed to Manchester United. By his own admission, the Brazilian's exit facilitated an accelerated rise to prominence at the Bernabéu. However, just as he tends to be on the pitch, Tchouaméni has been in the right place at the right time and has earned every chance he has had on merit.