VR & how Tchouaméni learned to play as a centre-back in his living room

The Frenchman used Virtual Reality goggles to simulate the Osasuna team’s movements and attacking patterns, as well as copying other LaLiga centre-backs.

On September 30, Aurélien Tchouaméni scored his first goal for Real Madrid, against Girona. It was a powerful header after a corner kick taken by Kroos in what was his 59th game as a player for Los Blancos. A goal was the only thing that the French pivot was missing in his two years as a player in the Spanish capital until in that same match, and with the results all but confirmed, a horror foul by Nacho ended with the defender being sent off and handed a three-match ban that he was forced to serve. Nobody expected what was about to come next.

To make matters worse, Militão and Alaba, Madrid’s main centre-backs, were injured, meaning Ancelotti had to find a new solution: he invented a central defender for the match against Osasuna, and with hardly any time; during the week, Madrid had to travel to Italy to face Napoli in a game that saw them take first place in their Champions League group.

Ancelotti put his cards out on the table and realised that Mendy and Tchouaméni were the clear candidates to partner Rüdiger in the back line. The first option was a more agile one; the second, a more physical and forceful player when defending, easily able to assert his dominance in the game as well as bring the ball out with no issues. And so, that week, between training and travelling, Ancelotti made his decision: Tchouameni would play next to Rüdiger.

And so, the Frenchman got to work.Throughout training that week, Aurélien was paired with Rüdiger in the small-sided games in which he was shown the ropes. During the afternoons, at home, he refined his knowledge and skills... with