The right-back position at Real Madrid has become one of Carlo Ancelotti's main concerns this season. The continuous injuries of Dani Carvajal and the physical wear of Lucas Vázquez have left the team in a delicate situation. Faced with this scenario, the Italian coach has sought creative solutions within the team to cover this critical position.
With the winter market still far off and the wait for significant reinforcements in the summer, Carlo Ancelotti has decided to try an unexpected alternative. This solution is temporary, as the goal of the club is to secure the transfer of Alexander-Arnold for next season. The Liverpool wing-back's contract is ending, and everything indicates that his destination will be Santiago Bernabéu.
Carlo Ancelotti's Bet before Alexander-Arnold
It is evident that Alexander-Arnold's transfer will greatly improve the performance on Real Madrid's right flank, but his arrival is not expected until next season. It is true that Florentino Pérez might try to speed things up by offering 15 million in January, but he will likely decide to wait to sign him for free. However, until he arrives, Carlo Ancelotti must find an alternative to Lucas Vázquez, who can't play every game.
In this regard, Raúl Asencio has been chosen by Carlo Ancelotti to fill this new position. The young defender is known for his reliability and leadership ability in the center of the defense. He has shown a quick adaptation in training to the right side. Ancelotti, alert to the qualities of young players, saw in him a temporary but effective solution.
Carlo Ancelotti has been testing Raúl Asencio as a right-back in recent training sessions and the youth player left a good impression. His tactical intelligence and physical ability allowed him to perform reliably in both defensive tasks and offensive support. This versatility has been key for the coach to trust in his progression.
The Youth Academy as a Temporary Solution for Carlo Ancelotti
The decision to convert Raúl Asencio reflects Carlo Ancelotti's confidence in the young academy player. It's true that the Italian coach is not very fond of giving opportunities to the reserve team players. However, the truth is that Asencio has earned it with honors. He appeared after Militão's untimely injury and has been earning his place with great performances.
However, Raúl Asencio's future in 2025 is quite uncertain. Militão and Alaba are expected to be recovered for the next season, and Trent Alexander-Arnold will also be available for Carlo Ancelotti. Therefore, given the likely lack of playing time, the best solution might be a loan.