Carlo Ancelotti has found a new destination for Raúl Asencio. He prefers Tchouaméni in the center of defense but Asencio won't disappear from the white map.
The return of Aurélien Tchouaméni after his injury seemed to assign him the role of situational center-back. At the same time, Asencio seemed out of Ancelotti's plans.
Asencio returned to the bench to play sporadically in the final minutes of matches. Sometimes, not even that, as happened last game against Rayo.
Asencio Won't Disappear from the White Map
However, things are looking up for Asencio. His place in the center of defense will be taken by Tchouaméni but he will also be in the starting line-up.
Ancelotti is more convinced by Asencio as a full-back than as a central defender. After the experiment with Lucas Vázquez, which didn't go well, the Italian coach will try the youth player as a substitute for Carvajal.
It's the surprise in the line-up that Carlo Ancelotti had hinted at. He was saving it for the Intercontinental final match that Real Madrid will play this Wednesday against the Mexican team Pachuca.
In recent training sessions, Ancelotti has hinted at his desire to try Asencio as a full-back and the experience has gone well.
Asencio is More Solid Than Lucas Vázquez
After changing Lucas with Asencio, the team loses offensive power but significantly gains defensive capability. Asencio is more solid than the Galician wild card.
Ancelotti's plans with Asencio are heading in that direction. If he seizes the opportunity, he has the entire season ahead to make Carvajal, the position's owner, forgotten.
It's possible that Ancelotti will start with Lucas Vázquez in the Intercontinental Cup. Asencio, however, will get minutes. The intention for the future is clear. Asencio will end up becoming an important player in this Real Madrid.
The opponent is third from last in the Mexican league. Considering this, the opportunity is ripe for Asencio to return to the starting line-up and showcase his quality.
Ancelotti's decision will be well received by the Madrid fans. They want to see more homegrown players in Real Madrid's starting eleven, which are usually filled with foreigners.