The Madrid defender, Raúl Asencio, wasted no time making his mark with the Spanish national team, which he joined last Monday. According to initial reports, Luis de la Fuente, La Roja’s head coach, was astonished by the 22-year-old’s blistering pace.
A reserve team player at Real Madrid at the start of the season, Raúl Asencio has made a spectacular entrance into professional football. Since November, when he was given his chance by Carlo Ancelotti to cover for Eder Militao’s injury, the Málaga-born defender has done everything right. Thanks to his incredible qualities, he has earned a starting spot in Carlo Ancelotti’s team. Against strikers like Erling Haaland, Omar Marmoush, and Julián Álvarez, Asencio has consistently performed at a high level, which quickly earned him a call-up to the national team. Indeed, for the first international break of 2025, Luis de la Fuente decided to summon the Real Madrid starlet.
Luis de la Fuente’s striking admission to Asencio
Last Friday, the young Real Madrid centre-back was called up to join the Spanish national team. Luis de la Fuente’s decision was largely influenced by injuries to several key defenders. And from the moment he arrived, Asencio immediately caught his manager’s eye with his greatest asset: speed. During the first few training sessions, the player who has displaced David Alaba to the bench at Real Madrid instantly impressed the national team coach, who did not hesitate to share his thoughts:
“You’re even faster in person than you look from the stands, and that says a lot,” Luis de la Fuente reportedly told Raúl Asencio, according to sources close to the squad, including Defensa Central. This is a huge compliment that will surely delight the Madrid defender. One thing is clear: Raúl Asencio is more than ready to seize the opportunity of playing for Spain.
Raúl Asencio: Speed displayed in crucial moments
Raúl Asencio’s exceptional pace has become one of his trademarks. Besides his steely mentality, which recently caught the attention of FIFA’s Centre of Excellence doctor Luis Ripoll, the 22-year-old has proven in key Real Madrid matches that he is one of the fastest centre-backs in the game. In the Champions League round of 16 clash against Atlético Madrid, he delivered a standout performance, particularly in the second leg at the Metropolitano.
In the second half, against a rapid counter-attack led by Rodrigo De Paul, Asencio showcased his speed. Despite initially being at a disadvantage, he managed to outpace the Argentine midfielder and make a crucial interception. According to UEFA, the Madrid defender clocked a top speed of 35.8 km/h, making him the fastest centre-back in this season’s Champions League. This attribute could prove to be a major asset for Spain in the upcoming Nations League challenges.
Back to full fitness with La Roja
Despite concerns following a recent match against Villarreal, where he was substituted due to slight discomfort, Asencio now seems to be back to full fitness. Real Madrid had been playing at a relentless pace, and fatigue had affected his performances. However, from the moment he joined the national team, he has shown that his physical concerns are behind him. His early training sessions with Spain confirm that he is ready to give his best.
With Spain aiming for success in the Nations League, Raúl Asencio represents a breath of fresh air and a valuable defensive reinforcement. Given everything he is currently displaying, his integration into the national squad should be swift. In any case, it would not be surprising to see the Madrid gem secure a starting role with La Roja from his very first call-up.
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