Makelele crowns Tchouaméni Madrid Best, flags Mourinho Key Signing

Claude Makelele said Aurélien Tchouaméni was Real Madrid’s most reliable performer of the past season and called him the Best for Los Blancos. He also defended Kylian Mbappé against criticism, insisting the striker simply wants to score. Makelele highlighted that José Mourinho’s Key Signing will be crucial for La Liga success.

The former holding midfielder praised Tchouaméni’s consistency, quoting “Tchouameni was the only consistent player from beginning to end.” He noted the Frenchman arrived from Monaco and had earlier friction with Fede Valverde.

Makelele argued that Mourinho “is not stupid, he’s a good coach, one of the best coaches,” and warned that only a cohesive unit can deliver La Liga.” He called the return of Mourinho to the Bernabéu the Key Signing for the club’s ambitions.

According to Makelele, Madrid lacks a midfielder who can carry the ball, break lines and deliver quick passes to Vinicius Junior and the attackers. He recalled how Ángel Di María and Mesut Özil provided that vertical link in Mourinho’s first spell.

Defending Mbappé, Makelele said, “I don’t agree with the Mbappé criticism,” and added that a line‑breaking midfielder would keep the striker higher up the pitch. He suggested that such a player would allow Mbappé to stay forward and increase his scoring chances.

Makelele linked Tchouaméni’s future to a broader squad restructuring that also mentions Camavinga and Michael Olise as possible transfers at the Bernabéu. He concluded that elite coaching alone will not suffice without the right midfield profile.