Asensio: Madrid ace was sensational in Spain's opener

Poetry in motion

Asensio's performance to kick-off the European Under-21 Championship was poetry in motion, and the prospect of watching him participate in the rest of the tournament is quite frankly mouth-watering. Real Madrid's attacking midfielder toyed with the Macedonian defenders, making them look like schoolboys, not full internationals - the case with eight of those who started against Spain. Isco (2013), Mata (2011) and Thiago (at both) previously stole the limelight, exhibiting their supreme individual talents at this tournament. Yet none quite matched the exploits of Asensio, undoubtedly a dazzling star in the making.    

Hard to classify

The lad from Mallorca not only plays beautifully crafted football, he has also changed the style of La Roja's style of play over these past two years - he's a more direct, incisive player than the others Spain has produced recently. In fact, classifying him can be difficult. He can play on the wing but you wouldn't say he is an out-and-out winger; he has the traits of a number ten but you can't earmark him as that either. A gem among the Real Madrid ranks, the promise of Spanish football, who looks absolutely at ease on the pitch and makes it all look so easy. There aren't many players around with that potential.