Ancelotti Repeats the Same Mistake Over and Over Again, Raúl Asencio Has the Solution

One of the major doubts quickly expressed by Madrid fans regarding Carlo Ancelotti's starting eleven to face Real Betis was the role of Raúl Asencio. The '35' from the Canary Islands has become one of the first team's key players in terms of performance despite having only been in the white locker room for a few months. His 'rise' from Real Madrid Castilla has shown that he is a footballer more than ready for the elite.

Those positive feelings about the Spanish center-back increase because, at the same time, he has made it clear that he didn't need any adaptation period to immediately join the competitive rhythm. After his recent performances, many thought Carlo Ancelotti would make him one of the untouchables in his starting eleven until the end of the current season.

The line-up placed at the Benito Villamarín stadium seems to rule out, at least a priori, that idea. Because the Reggiolo coach still has certain reservations about a footballer who is still developing and might not have the necessary attributes to be a regular starter in the first team. Not all, according to the Italian strategist's opinion, as can be inferred from substitutions that don't find much support among the merengue fans.

The absence of Raúl Asencio from the starting eleven against Real Betis focused the debate around the Canary center-back with a truly striking fact. Especially after the comeback by Manuel Pellegrini's pupils, who overcame the goal scored by Brahim Díaz in the first half. This defeat greatly complicates the fight for the LaLiga leadership, but it could have been avoided by placing Raúl Asencio as a starter.

The Key to Victory

One of the facts offered by 'Rodra' after the match at the Benito Villamarín is very enlightening. Raúl Asencio has been out of the starting eleven in Real Madrid's last three defeats... not counting the match that took place next weekend at the verdiblanco stadium.

The journalist from 'Relevo' reveals, albeit indirectly, the opportunity Carlo Ancelotti has ahead for the remainder of the season. There is still time to recover lost ground in LaLiga, but continuity in the Champions League and Copa del Rey is also at stake. Victory in these three competitions would be a bit closer if Raúl Asencio is definitively configured as an undisputed starter in the typical starting eleven of Real Madrid's coach.

Raúl Asencio is one of the competitive surprises of this season at Real Madrid. The footballer was already a leader of the defense in Real Madrid Castilla, but he had far fewer chances than some of his teammates to access the first team. Jacobo Ramón or Joan Martínez were always closer than him in the plans devised from the Valdebebas offices.

Be that as it may, the situation has changed radically, and many see the '35' from the Canary Islands as the 'new Nacho'. While it is true that this is a comparison that is still too big for Raúl Asencio, it can't be fulfilled if Carlo Ancelotti insists on leaving him on the bench.