He Didn't Convince Carlo Ancelotti, in fact, he was third on the list from La Fábrica. First, Joan Martínez, then Jacobo Ramón. Raúl Asencio was the last of the trio.
Joan Martínez got injured and Jacobo Ramón raised some doubts. The injuries of Carvajal and Militão forced Ancelotti to turn to him. He tested him as a full-back and as a center-back.
At 22 Years Old, He's Already of Age
He started to count on him, although in a residual way, until the injuries of his teammates placed him on the pedestal. And Ancelotti is now backtracking.
Asencio is not only capable of playing in the Real Madrid, but he even stands out above the rest. In fact, as a center-back, he covers Tchouaméni's mistakes, Ancelotti's obsession in search of the new Casemiro.
Madrid fans are thrilled with the boy. That speed, that positioning, that strength, that judgment in delivering the ball... He behaves like a veteran and he's already among the best in the Real Madrid.
Ancelotti has had to rectify. The player's performance has exposed him. The day after tomorrow he turns 22, he's not a child and he's of age.
Florentino Makes a Move
Florentino has made a move because he knows he has a diamond in the rough that could be the Sergio Ramos of the next decade. His contract ends in 2026 and the Real Madrid will sign him to a new five-year deal.
He will also have a new release clause: 50 million. In the Real Madrid, no one doubts anymore that Asencio will remain in the first team with a professional contract.
In the Madrid classic, he was sublime covering Rüdiger's absence and solving all of Tchouaméni's problems. He touched the ball 58 times, with a 96% pass success rate, made 3 clearances, and 2 tackles on opponents.
Trial by Fire: Doctorate Against Haaland
He provided his teammates with 3 long balls, won all his duels, and no opponent managed to outplay him.
Asencio has ceased to be an alternative element to fill gaps. He is rightfully a center-back for the Real Madrid.
Today he will face his trial by fire against Haaland. He must offer an extra to help the team overcome all the defensive absences in the Etihad Stadium's inferno. Today, his doctorate as a player of the Real Madrid is expected.