Can Spain role give Marco Asensio the boost he needs at Real Madrid?
Last season he finished as Real Madrid’s third highest scorer with 12 goals.
Impressive displays for your club normally lead to impressive displays for your country, but things have happened differently for Marco Asensio. At a time when Carlo Ancelotti’s confidence in the Spaniard’s abilities is in question, Luis Enrique has given him a boost ahead of the World Cup. Performing well for Spain could provide him with an opportunity to return to the Real Madrid team.
With just 47 minutes played this season, Asensio started for La Roja against Switzerland on Saturday. He played as a false nine, a position where Ancelotti only has one real centre forward: Karim Benzema. Without the Frenchman, Rodrygo has put himself forward to great effect. Spain lost 2-1, but Asensio created Jordi Alba’s goal. During the first half he struggled, but then he showed that he wants to play at the World Cup and in the second half vindicated himself with a fantastic run that led to the full-back’s goal.
Against RB Leipzig he turned whistles from the Bernabéu into applause, thanks to his phenomenal left-footed shot that made it 2-0. “He needed that goal. In the summer he hesitated to leave, but he’s stayed and we’re all happy,” said Ancelotti, who finds Asensio with renewed vigour. Last season he finished as the club’s third top scorer with 12 goals.
Last season at Real Madrid?
After the match, the player thanked “the support” on Instagram and set his sights on Tuesday’s Nations League clash with Portugal. The match in Braga will be another opportunity to show what he can do ahead of Qatar, enabling him to move closer to the Real Madrid starting eleven. His contractual situation allows him to be free to negotiate with potential suitors from 1 January 2023, so finding game time will be fundamental.