“Carletto has not liked some of his tracking back” – Alvaro Benito Claims Real Madrid Star Lacks Defensive Instinct

Former Real Madrid U-19 coach, Alvaro Benito, has criticized defensive midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni, claiming he lacks the “defensive instinct” to help his team during transitions. Although Benito refrained from comparing him with Casemiro, he said that everyone expected more from the defensive midfielder.

Defending champions Real Madrid began their UEFA Champions League defense with a clash against VfB Stuttgart on Tuesday night, September 17. The All-Whites came away with a 3-1 victory on Matchday 1, but their performance was far from satisfactory. Stuttgart’s attackers penetrated the defense with little effort and took aim at the Madrid goal time and again. Luckily for Madrid, Courtois was at the top of his game and made six excellent stops to ensure maximum points.

Alvaro Benito Criticizes Aurelien Tchouameni Following Real Madrid’s Win Over Stuttgart

Benito was critical of Tchouameni’s performance in the win over Stuttgart, claiming the midfielder did not provide enough defensive cover. On Cadena SER, he said (via Football-Espana):

“No doubt, Carletto has not liked some of his tracking back.

“A midfielder has to have that defensive vocation to plug the team’s holes immediately. He has to be able to read defensively what is happening. I get the feeling Tchouameni does not have that defensive instinct. It takes him a while to read the defensive cover [he should provide]. The runs back are as if they were not his job. Previously it was seen that Valverde was behind Tchouameni and he was the first to arrive to cover the possible pass.”

Benito said he did not want to compare Tchouameni with Casemiro, who, according to him is one of the best midfielders of the 21st century. However, he expressed his desire to see Tchouameni up his game.

“We all expect more,” he added.

“In the end, the reality of the field is obstinate. The games put you in your place.”

Having recently recovered from an injury, Tchouameni was not at his best in the clash against Stuttgart. Before coming off the field in the 70th minute, the Frenchman completed 33 passes, played three passes into the final third, made two interceptions, and recorded four recoveries.