AS | Asensio Strengthens His Position
The center-back is a candidate to partner with Rüdiger in central defense, given the German’s imminent return.
No one doubts Asensio's merit in playing as a center-back for the first team. Now, the debate revolves around whether he has climbed Ancelotti's list of preferences to secure a starting spot.
— When he emerged in November and started his first four matches, Tchouaméni’s recovery from injury a few weeks later led to his exclusion from the starting lineup. It remains to be seen what will happen with Asensio in light of Rüdiger’s imminent return. Will "Carletto" restore the French-German duo at the back, or will he rely on Asensio alongside Rüdiger? Another option is to position him at right-back to allow Valverde to return to midfield.
Against Osasuna, Asensio has played 23 matches for the first team, starting in 13 of them. He has been part of the squad in eight of the last ten matches. He has gained the trust of Santiago Bernabéu fans, who are eager to see him keep Haaland under control.