Real Madrid: Asensio's hopes renewed
The winger is looking more and more like his old self with each game - as he demonstrated against Granada. He left for the mini-break full of confidence.
Marco Asensio went into the Christmas mini-break with his hopes renewed. His excellent performance against Granada on Wednesday has done wonders for his self-confidence - which had taken a knock during the past month. The winger's introduction after Rodrygo's injury was decisive - he delivered a wonderful assist to Casemiro for the team's opening goal, which gave Zidane an advantage until Benzema was able to kill the game off. Before all of that, he had been unlucky not to open the scoring himself with a cheeky backheel that came back off the post.
Asensio taking the rough with the smooth
These first few months back haven't been easy for Asensio. He had high hopes about his performance levels but after being out for so long with a serious knee injury, it was only to be expected that he would suffer highs and lows. He has had both excellent games and more discreet displays, which have provoked a full range of opinions among the fans - from praise to criticism.
As always, Asensio has taken both the praise and the criticism on board. He is lucky to have a close circle which gives him stability and allows him to be shielded from much of the media commotion, whether it's good or bad. He knows that returning to his best level is going to be a lengthy process and that he still has several steps to take although with every week that passes he is getting closer.
He wasn't included in the starting line-up in any of Madrid's run of six consecutive wins but he is the only player that Zidane has brought on as a sub in each of those matches. The coach has complete faith in Asensio and would rather the player take his reintroduction to the team steadily and without haste. Now, with Rodrygo out for the immediate future, Asensio's role within the side will be even more important. There have been some tough moments this season, but now he ca face the start of the New Year full of confidence.