The young Spanish defender, Raul Asencio, has become an essential figure in Carlo Ancelotti’s team this season. Despite his immense talent, Antonio Rüdiger’s defensive partner still displays some flaws, as seen against Arsenal last Tuesday in the first leg of the Champions League quarter-finals.
Having joined Real Madrid’s first team last November, Raul Asencio didn’t take long to establish himself. Taking advantage of injuries to Eder Militao and the poor form—or bad luck—of David Alaba, the 22-year-old has become the mainstay at the heart of Madrid’s defence. Quick, strong on his feet and fearless in duels, the former reserve team player looks set to enjoy a bright future with the senior squad of Los Blancos. Given the player’s talent and the excitement surrounding him, Carlo Ancelotti can no longer do without him.
Positioning: Asencio’s big problem
It has to be said: among all the current Real Madrid defenders, Asencio is not the worst. In a season where nearly all the players have had inconsistent performances, the Las Palmas-born defender has shown some weaknesses from time to time. During the Copa del Rey semi-final second leg against Real Sociedad, for example, the number 35 was singled out by his manager for the team’s first conceded goal.
As shown in a video captured by our colleagues at El Desmarque, Raul failed to reposition himself at the right moment, chasing an opponent into midfield and leaving a huge gap behind him, which the Basques exploited. On that goal, Lucas Vazquez—who arrived late—was the one mostly blamed by fans, something Carlo Ancelotti didn’t appreciate. On Tuesday evening, in the Champions League quarter-final first leg against Arsenal, Raul Asencio once again stood out… for the same mistakes.
In a new explanatory video, the young centre-back is seen lacking composure while pressing for the ball. Sometimes forgetting to drop back into central positions, Asencio follows the ball into the feet of opponents, leaving significant space behind him. On several occasions against the Gunners, the scene repeated itself, often putting Madrid’s defence in danger. In a season where a fatigued Rüdiger can no longer cover everything, his poor positioning is becoming a problem for Real Madrid.
Lack of experience
The truth is, Asencio is still young and not yet truly experienced at the highest level of football. While he is currently one of the top central defenders in La Liga thanks to his dazzling individual qualities, Raul still lacks experience. Called up to the national team for the first time last March, he was surprisingly snubbed by manager Luis de la Fuente, who chose instead to rely on 19-year-old Dean Huijsen—who, in contrast, already has far more experience in the first teams of clubs like Juventus (2023–2024), Roma, and Bournemouth.
If Militao were available, Raul Asencio would likely lose his status as an undisputed starter at Real Madrid. Still, it must be said: despite his mistakes, the youngster remains valuable in Madrid’s defensive setup, as he makes up for several other weaknesses. In any case, Carlo Ancelotti, despite the errors of his young player, will have to manage with him. With more playing time, he is bound to gain the experience needed to become a complete defender.
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