Chelsea defensive midfielder scouting series part five: Aurelien Tchouameni

Defensive actions

Tchouameni has recorded a healthy proportion of defensive actions for someone who plays in a relatively possession-oriented side. He has recorded 4.4 tackles plus interceptions since the beginning of last season. For comparison, Kante has recorded 5.2. Tchouameni actually leads Monaco this season in tackles and interceptions, and he’s not even a sitting defensive midfielder. He’s been dribbled past more than Kante per 90 in the time under scrutiny, 1.1 to 1.4. That may be due him contesting more ground duels, as you’ll likely be dribbled past often if you get into these contests a lot. It is worth it too, as the Monaco man has won 5.7 ground duels per 90 at a success rate of 57 percent, compared to Kante’s 4.4 at a success rate of 49 percent in the time under scrutiny.

Tchouameni is obviously better at winning ground duels. He wins more, despite attempting more, at a higher success rate. Tchouameni has a size advantage on Kante though, as he weighs 80 kg rising to 185 cm, compared to Kante’s 68 kg rising to 168 cm. It’s not surprising that Tchouameni would have a considerable advantage over Kante in ground duels. Tchouameni, if nothing else, knows how to use his strengths to his advantage. Tchouameni blocks more shots per 90 (0.3) than Kante (0.2), but makes slightly fewer clearances per 90 (1.3) compared to Kante (1.4). Kante and Tchouameni concede the same amount of fouls (1.9), though the latter wins more tackles than Kante. Tchouameni wins significantly more fouls (1.8) than Kante (0.4), all per 90. Tchouameni seems to have overall better ball skills than Kante, losing the ball on average 11.6 times per 90, compared to Kante’s 13.2.

Tchouameni is clearly defensive aware, and likely the best defensive-minded midfielder at the club. He would fit right in at Chelsea, and would be perfect to partner Chelsea’s other central midfielders, as he offers many things they don’t.