Real Madrid starts the season under the direction of Xabi Alonso. After the first and only preseason match, the coach already has clear ideas about who is part of his project and who isn't. Among the players who have lost prominence is Raúl Asencio, a center-back who arrived with high expectations from the youth academy.
The decline of Asencio
Raúl Asencio experienced his best moment under Carlo Ancelotti, becoming a starter and generating trust in the white defense. However, his performance has plummeted since Xabi Alonso's arrival. In recent competitions, such as the Club World Cup, his mistakes were evident and harmed the team.
Alonso hasn't hesitated to make it clear that Asencio occupies the last spot in the center-back rotation. The coach prioritizes players like Éder Militão, David Alaba, Antonio Rüdiger, or Dean Huijsen, who show greater consistency and trust in every match.
Signs in the preseason
The only preseason match for Madrid against Austrian Tirol confirmed Asencio's situation. The Canary Islands center-back only got minutes starting from the 77th minute, coming on after all his positional teammates. This gesture, though simple, speaks for itself: Asencio is no longer a key piece and must accept his secondary role.
The order of the substitutions reflects the hierarchy Alonso intends to establish. While some players consolidate their place, others find themselves in the background, with few opportunities to show their level.
Beyond the field
Poor performance isn't the only factor that has influenced Alonso's decision. In recent months, Asencio has also been linked to off-field issues that have caused some concern in the club.
To avoid conflicts and keep harmony in the locker room, the departure of the youth academy product appears to be the most sensible option. Florentino Pérez has accepted his coach's recommendation, understanding that, at this stage, stability and sporting quality are priorities for Madrid.
Uncertain future and options
Despite the decision made, Asencio's departure won't be immediate. The summer transfer market is entering its final stretch, and finding a club that offers him minutes and suitable conditions may prove complicated.
If Asencio stays at Madrid without prominence, it's likely that he himself will request to leave in order to grow at another club. His time at Bernabéu seems to be coming to an end; there's only room for those who perform and adapt to the project.