Questions are being raised at Real Madrid, as Carlo Ancelotti made a major announcement during Saturday’s press conference. This is an important update for the remainder of the Madrid season.
Promoted to Real Madrid’s first team just a few weeks ago in a spectacular fashion, Raul Asensio has now come back down to earth. Tasked with filling in for Eder Militao for the rest of the season, the centre-back took the opportunity to feature in high-stakes matches, notably in the losses to Liverpool (2-0) and Athletic Bilbao (2-1). While there was significant excitement surrounding the 21-year-old, who is already being compared to Sergio Ramos, Carlo Ancelotti surprised everyone by repositioning Aurélien Tchouaméni as a central defender.
Ancelotti’s plan for Raul Asensio
Despite criticism, the Italian coach stood firm, placing the French midfielder in central defence, thus relegating Asensio to the bench. According to reports, Carlo Ancelotti decided in favour of Aurélien Tchouaméni, whom he sees as a better fit in central defence, while the midfield roles can be filled by players like Eduardo Camavinga or Federico Valverde. Forced to take on the role of a substitute, the former Castilla player has recently found reasons to smile again.
Indeed, even before the Intercontinental Cup final—a match won 3-0 by Real Madrid in Qatar—Carlo Ancelotti tested Raul Asensio as a right-back. Given Lucas Vázquez’s lacklustre performances on the right side of Madrid’s defence, the coaching staff is considering repositioning the centre-back. During Saturday’s press conference, ahead of the match against Sevilla (Real Madrid’s final game of 2024), Carletto confirmed his intentions.
Asensio, the new backup for Vázquez
When questioned about his tactical adjustments, Ancelotti revealed that he would no longer start or play Federico Valverde as a right-back to cover for Lucas Vázquez. This decision opens up new opportunities for the young centre-back to prove himself and show he is worthy of playing for Real Madrid.
“How do I evaluate the full-backs? Both full-backs, Lucas Vázquez and Mendy, have performed very well. They’ve played many matches and contributed to the team. I don’t plan to put Valverde in this position unless it’s an emergency. And we’re testing Asensio, who has the attributes to play there, although he’s more of a defensive than an offensive player,” Carlo Ancelotti told the media on Saturday.
With the announced adjustments and David Alaba’s return confirmed, it is clear that Florentino Pérez does not intend to make any signings in January, although the door remains open. According to our colleagues at the Madrid-based daily Marca, Raul Asensio’s situation in the Real Madrid first team sends a clear message to the youth players in the reserve team: “If you are a defender, you have a better chance of reaching the first team.”
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