Real Madrid Confidencial Ancelotti's 'Excuse' with Asencio and Tchouaméni Falls Apart, Devastating Fact
The coach will have to make a decision regarding the center-back position.
This past Tuesday, Real Madrid achieved another comeback in the Champions League to defeat Manchester City. They did it in a match marked by absences, especially in the Merengue defense. This forced Ancelotti to line up Asencio and Tchouaméni as the central pair.
Without Alaba or Rüdiger, he had to turn to the youth player, whom he has often left in the background. Ancelotti has shown that he prefers the Frenchman over the young Canary Islander. However, there is a devastating statistic that speaks very well in favor of Raúl to be a starter.
Until now, Carletto had always defended Tchouaméni's starting position due to his aerial ability. But the statistic of which central defenders win the most aerial duels has come to light. Among the 5 major leagues, Asencio has the best percentage in the air.
With 77.27 percent, Asencio is currently the central defender who wins the most duels in Europe. In fact, he surpasses Amir Murillo, James Bree, Juma Bah, and Bafodé Diakité. It makes it clear that Ancelotti no longer has an "excuse" not to play him and to keep insisting with Tchouaméni.
The Biggest Criticism from Madridists This Season Is About Asencio's Situation
When Militão was injured against Osasuna, Ancelotti did not hesitate to turn to Asencio to take his place. He stepped onto the field, provided an assist, was very strong in tackles, and showed no pressure from debuting. To the point that he earned a spot in the starting eleven after his great performances.
But as soon as Tchouaméni was recovered, Carletto removed him from the starting line-up to place the Frenchman. This did not please the Madridists, who criticized Ancelotti for making that controversial decision. Especially after seeing the defensive mistakes the Frenchman was making.
The coach of the white team argued his presence as a central defender due to the aerial security he showed. But seeing that Asencio also has it and his performances against Atlético and City could change. The youth player has earned the right to be the starting pair alongside Rüdiger.
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