Marco Asensio was the golden boy of Real Madrid back in around 2017. He was seen as the future of not just the club but of the country as well.
There were sparks of brilliance back then, but things have faded off since then. But recent situations show that this might be the right time for him to part ways with the Los Blancos.
Back in the 2017-18 season, Asensio had scored a vital Champions League goal against Bayern Munich. In the season before, he had done the same against the Bavarians in the quarters and went onto score against Juventus in the Champions League final. That was when the hype was in full swing.
But last season’s transition period saw a lot of burden get placed on Asensio’s shoulders. Cristiano Ronaldo had left, while the team was playing in a structured system under Santiago Solari for a vast majority. He contributed to only 15 goals in all competitions, scoring just once in the La Liga – a stat that followers of the La Liga football live scores will be well aware of.
The ACL injury that he suffered before the beginning of the season saw Real stop Gareth Bale from leaving. James Rodriguez stayed too. While they haven’t made too huge an impact, the rise of Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo Goes should ring the bells for Asensio and his presence in the team.
Rodrygo has broken into the club’s first team and has racked up six goal contributions in just four games for the club. In 12 La Liga games, he has scored only twice but that was a given since this is his first full campaign at the club.
As for Vinicius, he recently scored in the El Clasico. He has contributed to seven goals in all competitions while playing 28 games in total. One reason for those low numbers could be how he has been in and out of action constantly, starting only two of the club’s last ten league games. That has had an impact on his overall output.
Brahim Diaz is far from a regular at this point, but he is very much in the same age bracket as Vinicius and Rodrygo. The club also signed Brazilian youngster Reinier Jesus in January transfer window. He is a versatile player who can play anywhere behind the striker. The club spent €30 million on him and it shows that they trust his potential and want him a star in the future.
This is a transition period for the club when a lot of the older players are being moved on. Younger players like Eder Militao, Federico Valverde, Rodrygo and Vinicius are coming in and making an impact. Eden Hazard’s first campaign has been ravaged by injuries but he can be expected to come back and start afresh next season.
Asensio is unlikely to play again this season. The ACL is a ruthless injury. After recovery, the period of adapting to playing again and being at their best again leaves behind many players. Asensio could be one as the amount of competition Real have in that position is massive.
No one knows if he will come back firing on all cylinders again or not. One can certainly hope so. But Asensio is 24 and much older than the younger options that Real have. He will have to adapt quickly when he returns- something that will be very tough. At this age, Real will know that it could be a good time to earn good money from his sale.
