​Former Real Madrid midfielder Claude Makelele has voiced strong confidence that Aurelien Tchouameni will become one of the pivotal figures in Jose Mourinho’s squad, while also insisting that Kylian Mbappe has faced unfair scrutiny since arriving at the Santiago Bernabeu. In an interview with DAZN, the French legend praised Tchouameni’s influence in the heart of midfield and argued that his consistent performances render him indispensable for the team.
Makelele did not shy away from addressing Mbappe criticism, saying that the striker has often been forced to shoulder responsibilities that should naturally lie with Real Madrid’s midfield. He contends that the focus on Mbappe misses the bigger picture of what the team needs to function at the highest level. The comments come at a moment when Tchouameni has extended his contract with Madrid until 2031, a decision made amid interest from Manchester United, underscoring the player’s value to the club.
On Tchouameni’s importance, Makelele left little room for doubt about his admiration for the Frenchman. He described the youngster as exactly the type of player around whom successful teams are built, and he suggested that there should never be a discussion about letting him leave. The former Madrid star even stated that Tchouameni was the only player who performed consistently from the start of the season to its end, highlighting the stability and reliability he brings to the squad.
Makelele also weighed in on Mourinho’s squad-building strategy, praising the Portuguese manager as a top-tier tactician who recognizes the need for a deep, strong squad to compete for La Liga. He asserted that Mourinho “isn’t a fool” and that his plan hinges on assembling a robust lineup capable of delivering sustained success.
In addressing the Mbappe debate, Makelele rejected the negative narratives surrounding the French forward. He argued that Mbappe is giving everything for the team and that the real issue lies not with the striker’s attitude but with the midfield’s inability to progress the ball efficiently through central areas. According to Makelele, Real Madrid lacks a central midfielder who can carry the ball through lines and deliver quick balls to the forwards—to Vinicius Jr. and the other attackers—thus limiting Mbappe’s opportunities when he moves into more advanced positions.
He explained Mbappe’s tendency to drop deep into midfield to receive the ball, asking who, then, is going to be up front to finish plays. When Mbappe occupies the central forward role, Makelele says, the striker is more likely to find the back of the net, underscoring that the team’s midfield structure should enable him to stay higher, stretch the pitch, and threaten defenses with his pace and finishing ability. In Makelele’s view, solving the central midfield challenge would unlock Mbappe’s most potent contributions while elevating Real Madrid’s overall attacking threat.