Raoul Asencio he establishes himself as a holder in the axis of the defense of Real Madrid this Sunday ahead Leganes. The decision is not minor: it is an important step in a club which rarely grants chances in football matches. League to the players of its subsidiary, the Castile. The serious injury of Eder Militaryas well as the absences of Tchouaméni And To rent outforced Charles Ancelotti look towards the career, and Asencio, with his promising start, seems willing to take advantage of this opportunity.
The centre-back’s emergence into the first team is a breath of fresh air for The factorythe Real Madrid training center, which has been producing talent for years without many of them settling at the Bernabéu. The Castilla coach, Raoul Gonzalezdid not hide his satisfaction after the young player’s debut: “It’s a plus for the other young people. The Real Madrid youth team is the best, but the demands of the first team mean that he doesn’t “It’s not easy to make your way,” he said. .
Asencio made his first team debut in the match against Osasuna, in a packed house. Saint-Jacques Bernabéu. He did so in a maximum pressure situation, replacing an injured Militao while the score remained 0-0. In addition, the team had just experienced two consecutive defeats against the Barcelona (0-4) and the Milan (1-3), which increased the tension in the environment.
However, far from feeling intimidated, the young people produced an exceptional performance. Sure and energetic in defense, Asencio capped his performance with a luxury assist for Jude Bellinghamwhich sealed the final 2-0. The Bernabéu public recognized his work with applause throughout the match.
The centre-back’s performance not only helped calm the fans’ nerves, but also boosted Ancelotti’s confidence at a delicate moment. With Alaba out until January and a limited defense, Asencio’s role will be crucial in keeping the team competitive while the injured recover.
Asencio’s case highlights an old debate surrounding the management of Real Madrid’s youth team. Even though La Fábrica produces quality players, many have to look for opportunities outside the club due to the lack of first team minutes. Recent cases like those of Mario Gila And Rafa Marinetwo central defenders from Castilla who now play in Serie A illustrate this trend. Gila is at Lazio and Marín is at Napoli, both developing their talent away from the Bernabéu.
Other names that illustrate this situation are Sérgio Topsnow in the Almeria; Nicholas Peacewho is active in the As; And Michael Gutierrezwho contests the Champions League with the Girona. Although their training prepared them to compete at the highest level, they did not find a place in the Merengue first team.
This difference with the Barcelona career model, where players like Gavi either Laminate Yamal have continued since they were young, opens the debate among Real Madrid supporters. And Raúl summed it up like this: “The Madrid youth team is ready, but they need opportunities. At this club it’s more difficult because the best players in the world are here.”
Career gains weight
Ancelotti, forced by circumstances, turned to eight young players to complete training ahead of the match against Leganés. With Asencio, the goalkeepers participated in the preparation unique And Mestrethe side David Jimenezthe center Diego Aqueousthe midfielder Christian Davidthe extreme Yanez and the front Gonzalez.
However, the Italian coach clarified that the club’s priority is not to develop players for the first team, but to compete at the highest level: “It’s not difficult. It’s quite simple to choose “Giving minutes to young players is not the goal of this club,” he said angrily after questioning the club’s plans. over the last fifteen years.
With 16 first-team players available, Ancelotti has no choice but to complete the call-up with reserve team players. Mestre will be the third goalkeeper, while Asencio points to the starting lineup. In addition, Aguado, from Arbeloa’s Juvenil A, was also on the list. This is a pragmatic decision, but one that opens the door for more young people to show their worth in real-world competitive situations.
Ancelotti. during Real Madrid training
EFE
The match against Leganés will not be easy. Real Madrid are in a tight battle with Barcelona for the La Liga lead, and any setback could be decisive. In this context, the acquisition of Asencio represents not only an opportunity for the player, but also a great challenge. He must demonstrate that he meets the demands of a club where every detail counts.
Asencio’s participation is a breath of hope for La Fábrica players, who see in him proof that it is possible to succeed in the first team, even if the opportunities are rare. Real Madrid’s training center, known for its quality, continues to be an important, albeit often undervalued, asset.
As Raúl said well, what’s missing is not talent, but more opportunities. Perhaps Asencio’s emergence marks a change in trend and serves as an example for future generations. For now, the young central defender has the opportunity to consolidate and show that, even at a club like Real Madrid, the youth team can be a reliable and effective solution.
