Real Madrid's Young Talent Loses Starting Position
After a series of impressive performances, Raul Asensio has been sidelined in favor of Aurelien Tchouameni, raising questions among fans about defensive stability.
Following Eder Militao's injury against Osasuna, Raul Asensio stepped in and delivered commendable performances. His solid displays earned him starting positions against Leganes, Liverpool, Getafe, and Athletic Bilbao. However, with the return of Aurelien Tchouameni, Asensio has been relegated to the bench, losing his spot in the starting lineup.
Just as it seemed Asensio had established himself as a reliable option for Real Madrid, head coach Carlo Ancelotti opted to reinstate Tchouameni, despite some fan criticism. Since Tchouameni's return, Real Madrid has conceded an average of nearly two goals per game, totaling five goals in the last two matches. In contrast, during Asensio's tenure on the field, the team allowed fewer than one goal per game, conceding four goals over five matches.
After the recent match against Rayo Vallecano, Ancelotti stated, "I know I can count on him. He is not accustomed to playing as a central defender but has met our needs." Asensio now faces the challenge of proving himself once more to reclaim his position alongside Antonio Rudiger. With David Alaba expected to return in early 2025, competition for defensive roles is set to intensify.