The 2021-22 season proved to be hugely successful for Real Madrid, who won La Liga and the Champions League, in addition to triumphing in the Spanish Super Cup.
As a result, it was not too much of a surprise when they were not overly active during the summer transfer window, only bringing two new players to the club.
Aurelien Tchouameni's excellent form for Monaco had led to a host of speculation surrounding the France international's future.
Real Madrid ultimately won the race for the 22-year-old, and he has been a vital player this season, perhaps more than he would have expected due to Casemiro's departure.
Antonio Rudiger, meanwhile, decided to move to Bernabeu following his release from Chelsea.
Here, Sports Mole discusses how both players have performed for the reigning Spanish and European champions during the 2022-23 campaign.
Aurelien Tchouameni
© Reuters
It came as a surprise when Casemiro left for Manchester United late in the transfer window, as Tchouameni had not been signed as a replacement for the Brazilian, rather to assist and ultimately make the transition into an important first-team player, with Luka Modric and Toni Kroos both entering the latter stages of their careers.
However, Tchouameni has been a vital player for Ancelotti's side, making 18 appearances in all competitions, contributing two assists in the process.
The midfielder, who is in the France squad for the 2022 World Cup, has started 11 times in La Liga this season, while he was in the first XI for five of the team's six matches in the group stage of the Champions League.
When fit, he has been selected by Ancelotti, immediately taking on an important role.
Tchouameni has shown that he is every inch a Real Madrid player this season, and he has the potential to become one of the leading midfielders in world football over the next few years.
Grade: A
Antonio Rudiger
© Reuters
Chelsea were desperate to keep hold of Antonio Rudiger over the summer, but he turned down the chance to pen an extension at the club, ultimately leaving on a free transfer.
Barcelona, Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain were among the clubs to be linked with the centre-back, but he made the move to Bernabeu on a free transfer.
It was always going to be difficult for the 29-year-old to secure a certain starting role considering the form of David Alaba and Eder Militao in the middle of the Real Madrid defence in 2021-22.
Rudiger has made 17 appearances this season, scoring twice, and he has been used cleverly by Ancelotti, with the head coach playing him in the majority of the games, even if he has not started.
The Germany international has started seven times in the league this season, while he was in the first XI for three of the team's six matches in the group stage of the Champions League.
Rudiger has therefore had to accept a rotational role, which means that he cannot be graded an A, but he has been an impressive performer, and he will be vital for the club in the second half of the campaign.
Grade: B
Matt Law
