'Aurelien Tchouameni will never be Toni Kroos or Luka Modric' - Carlo Ancelotti defends Real Madrid midfielder amid ongoing criticism

Carlo Ancelotti has reserved special praise for Aurelien Tchouameni and explained why his double pivot with Dani Ceballos worked so well against Manchester City on Wednesday night in the Champions League, further explaining that the French midfielder offers a unique set of characteristics which sets him apart from the likes of Luka Modric and Toni Kroos.

Tchouameni has often found himself on the receiving end of criticism from fans and pundits alike due to his unconvincing displays this season. He has had to plug the hole in the heart of the defence as a makeshift centre-back more often than not, leaving his preferred holding role in midfield to compensate for the lack of defenders in the backline.

On Wednesday night, however, the 25-year-old returned to the defensive midfield position and put on a solid performance as Real Madrid swat Man City aside with a 3-1 margin to go through to the Round of 16. Tchouameni's assured outing did not go unnoticed, with Ancelotti explaining why he is so important to his team.

"Today everyone delivered, including him. He has returned to his position and when he is there, he shows all his quality," Ancelotti told reporters when asked about Tchouameni's performance against Man City on Wednesday (h/t AS).

"He is very strong, forceful in duels and is always very well positioned defensively. I think the duo with [Dani] Ceballos, who is a different player, is good for the team. Because Dani is more of a possession player and Aurelien is more physical. Someone focused on the defensive aspect.

"Tchouameni... What else can I say? He is a very important player, very important for us. Because he has the exact characteristics. He will never be Kroos, Modric or Ceballos. But Ceballos cannot be Tchouameni, just as Kroos and Modric aren't."

With Antonio Rudiger back to full fitness, given that he started the game at centre-back against City, and Tchouameni putting in a neat display in midfield, Madridistas can expect him to continue in the No.6 role when Los Blancos host Girona in a riveting LaLiga encounter on Sunday, February 23.