While he was announced as the number one replacement for Eder Militao this season, Raul Asensio has not earned the full trust of Carlo Ancelotti. According to the Spanish daily Marca, the 65-year-old coach has made a significant decision that may not sit well with all Madrid fans.
Injuries have made life tough for Real Madrid this season. With a packed schedule, players lack sufficient recovery time, making them more prone to physical setbacks. In Carlo Ancelotti’s squad, two key defenders—Dani Carvajal and Eder Militao—are out for the rest of the season due to cruciate ligament injuries, one of the worst setbacks for footballers. Meanwhile, David Alaba has not returned to competition in over a year after suffering the same devastating injury. However, Raul Asensio, a young player from the reserve team, has emerged as a revelation.
A dazzling debut for Asensio… ultimately tarnished
Indeed, after being called up again to increase the number of available players on 9 November, the 21-year-old defender unexpectedly entered the game during the first half following Militao’s injury. Previously a player for Real Madrid’s La Fabrica, Raul Asensio wasted no time living up to expectations. Within ten minutes on the pitch, he provided an assist for Jude Bellingham’s first goal of the season. Defensively, he also impressed with solid interventions.
Later, Asensio was handed a start in the Champions League against Liverpool, delivering more impressive performances. Club president Florentino Pérez quickly expressed his desire to extend the young defender’s contract at the end of the season to reflect his increasing value. However, just as he seemed to be filling the void left by Militao, the Madrid-born player turned in a performance marred by critical errors against Athletic Bilbao during an early Liga matchday 19 fixture.
Aurélien Tchouaméni earns Ancelotti’s trust
Thibaut Courtois, dissatisfied with Asensio’s mistakes, suggested pairing Aurélien Tchouaméni with Antonio Rudiger in key matches. Carlo Ancelotti has reportedly approved the idea. According to Marca, the Italian coach sees Tchouaméni as a more mature and experienced option for the central defensive role, which he had already played last season. At 65, Ancelotti has apparently made his decision.
For Real Madrid’s crucial matches, Tchouaméni will be Rudiger’s partner in defence. With Dani Ceballos performing excellently in midfield and Eduardo Camavinga set to return soon, Ancelotti plans to move Tchouaméni to defence, relegating Raul Asensio further down the pecking order of central defenders. For the young Madrid native, losing his starting role to a midfielder represents a significant setback.
Ancelotti’s decision is far from universally accepted. However, given Tchouaméni’s strong performances in defence, changing the Italian coach’s plans will likely prove difficult, especially as Ancelotti remains cautious about placing blind trust in the young talents within his squad.
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