Data Review: Midfield talent speaks for itself

Real Madrid were back in action in La Liga after almost a two week gap as season end draws closer. Los Blancos geared up to face Manchester City twice and Barcelona within a span of 10 days with a match-up against Mallorca cramped up between it. Carlo Ancelotti used this opportunity to rest some key players with the second leg against Pep Guardiola’s on the horizon.

Joselu and Brahim Diaz led the line with Aurelien Tchouameni back in his midfield role as the screening midfielder. He was partnered with Luka Modric in the midfield double pivot with Fede Valverde and Jude Bellingham providing support. It was a different look starting lineup and despite struggling to find their rhythm initially, Ancelotti’s side managed to snag a win with an audacious strike to extend their unbeaten record in the league.

Here is a look at two particularly standout midfield displays against Mallorca

Aurélien Tchouaméni

This was arguably one of the most complete displays from Tchouameni since signing with Real Madrid. In the double pivot along with veteran Modric, the Frenchman showcased perfect qualities as a #6. The former Monaco man was excellent at providing the screening presence, dropped on the outside of the backline to aid progression and scored the winner to help win the game.

Tchouameni made four clearances in the game, all of them coming right in front of the goalmouth in and around the box. His reading of the game and aerial presence were on display as he won all three of his aerial duels in the game. He constantly positioned himself right in front of the backline and was the first to loose balls during the game. He made seven recoveries with five of those coming in Madrid’s own half.

His territory map further emphasizes his influence in the the central corridor between the two boxes in the game. The 24-year-old was a good help in circulating ball either to his midfield partners or his fullbacks with short and crisp passes. His physicality in duels and ability to get to the ball first saw him win both of his tackle attempts in the game.

Ancelotti’s side continue to be unbeaten this season in games where Tchouameni has started in. The Frenchman showcased his importance for them in a role that he was initially envisioned to play at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Luka Modric

The 38-year-old was again at his best in the double pivot role. The Croatian maestro was at the heart of Madrid’s ball circulation and progression. With a lot of the ball progression load falling on the midfielders with the lack of synergy among the outlets, Modric was at the heart of moving with the ball at his feet and finding teammates high up the pitch.

Modric’s 100 attempted passes was the most by any player in the game and his six progressive passes also only behind the two goalkeepers in the game. He also showcased his snake hips and ball carrying ability to move the ball forwards. His five take-ons were only behind Vinicius (6) and Brahim (6) in the game and he constantly moved the ball into the final third. He was an able outlet to beat Mallorca initial phase of press.

He should have picked up an assist after a spectacular run into the box and the ball across but Brahim couldn’t find the finish to match. The five time Champions League winner received yet another standing ovation from an away crowd for his allround performance as the end to a remarkable career looms on the horizon.